Chandigarh: Tensions gripped two prominent private universities in Punjab within a span of 48 hours following social media claims of alleged sexual assault
and suicides. The protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) centred around allegations of sexual assault, while tensions erupted at Chitkara University over alleged suicides. However, the management of both universities have denied these claims. The protests at both universities have reportedly led Punjab Police to investigate whether there is any connection between the two agitations. However, the police have so far been unable to establish any link.
Protests At LPU
The protest reportedly erupted near Girls’ Hostel-3 early on Sunday after students began discussing allegations that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus by either an outsider or a university employee. Some students alleged that the incident had taken place days earlier and that the university had failed to address the matter adequately. Soon, these allegations spread rapidly through social media and student groups. According to reports, students alleged that the girl had subsequently been sent home and that her roommate later told others that she had died by suicide.Students protesting outside LPU set vehicles on fire in response to the Lathi charge by Police.
Whatever is happening and whatever LPU’s students are doing, all the credit goes to CJP.
CJP has literally destroyed our country. pic.twitter.com/iX0CfsEdF4— Aditya (@Adityaacard) September 27, 2026
The protesters approached university officials and hostel wardens, demanding access to CCTV footage from GH-3, a girls' hostel block. CCTV footage reportedly showed a female staff member entering a vacant hostel room, followed by three male staff members. One of the men was allegedly carrying a bucket, prompting students to suspect that the room might have been cleaned and possible evidence removed. However, these suspicions have not been independently established.
The police have not yet confirmed these claims. The university management has also rejected these allegations. The police have now registered a rape case against an unidentified person based on a complaint and formed a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegation.
In the wake of the violence, the university has suspended regular classes for 10 days starting September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice, citing student safety. Students were seen leaving the campus for their homes on Monday morning.
Chitkara University
Chitkara University on Sunday announced the suspension of academic activities until October 1, a day after students held a massive protest and allegedly set a police vehicle on fire over unverified claims that two female students had died by suicide on campus.
Since October 2 is a national holiday and the weekend follows, regular classes will resume on October 5, according to authorities at the private university located near Rajpura in Patiala.
However, faculty and staff will continue to report for administrative work, they said.
Chitkara University has halted all classes amid student protests. Several social media posts claimed that students heard screams on the night of September 24 and saw two ambulances inside the university premises. Alleging poor communication from the university administration, a large number of students reportedly assembled on campus on Friday night, seeking clarification and answers.
