LPU row escalates: Stones pelted, vehicles set on fire as police lathicharge students

PHAGWARA: The protest by Lovely Professional University students over an unverified rape claim turned violent on Sunday evening after the protesters refused to lift the road blockade, prompting police to resort to lathicharge around 8pm. Students allegedly pelted stones at the police during the confrontation, in which some police personnel and students sustained injuries. The confrontation came after students had continued blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway despite repeated efforts to resolve the standoff. The blockade had caused major traffic disruption on the highway, with long queues of vehicles reported during the day. The unrest at LPU began early Sunday after unverified reports circulated on social media claiming that a female student had been raped on the campus. Police had said they learnt about the claim only after reaching the university and described the reports as rumours. Students had also damaged property on the campus, with videos showing broken window panes and flower pots and some objects being set on fire. The protesters blocked the highway and raised grievances over their issues with the university administration. Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora had said police spoke to students about their concerns and were trying to get them resolved. "We spoke to students who had some issues with the LPU administration. We heard them and are trying to get them resolved. The situation is completely under control," he said. A heavy police force had been deployed at the university as the protest continued. Police had also said an assessment of the damage to university property was under way and necessary legal action would be taken. The latest clash came after students continued to press their demands while the blockade remained in place, escalating the standoff between protesters and police.