Violent protests erupt at Punjab university over alleged rape and student suicide

Students at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara gathered near Girls’ Hostel‑3 after rumors of a rape and a recent student suicide, leading to arson, looting and the burning of police vehicles. Demonstrators blocked National Highway 44 for more than 15 hours, prompting a police lathi charge and injuries among officers and students. Internet services were shut down within a 3‑4 km radius to curb misinformation. The unrest prompted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to direct senior police officials to visit the campus, while university officials said they would review forensic samples, CCTV footage and call logs.