Protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab turned violent amid allegations surrounding the reported sexual assault of a female student, with videos circulating on social media purportedly showing people looting shops inside the university's mall.
Several videos appear to show people taking food, gadgets and other items from stores at the campus mall. In one purported video, a person can be heard saying, "Bhai, PS-5 le aaye hain," while another clip reportedly features the phrase, "free mein shopping, shopping done." The videos have not been independently verified, and it is not immediately clear whether everyone seen in them was an LPU student.
Videos show alleged looting at campus mall
The visuals circulating online reportedly show people entering shops and taking various items, including electronic goods and food. Other videos purportedly show people eating food inside the mall.
Some clips also show damage to shops, an ATM kiosk and other university property amid the unrest.
The alleged looting took place as protests on the LPU campus escalated following claims circulating on social media about the alleged rape of a female student.
Students allege they were instructed to deny incident
The protests have also taken a new turn after three students who appeared in a university video denying the alleged incident claimed that they were instructed on what to say.
The students had earlier appeared in a video released by LPU registrar Monika Gulati, in which they said no such incident had taken place in Room 504 of Girls' Hostel 3.
In a subsequent purported video, however, the students alleged that university officials told them what statements to make. They further claimed that portions of their original recording were edited before being posted on the university's social media accounts without their knowledge or consent.
The authenticity of these videos has not been independently verified.
LPU denies rape and suicide claims
The controversy began after allegations circulated that a female student had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a construction worker on the university campus and later died by suicide at her home.
Students also alleged that a hostel warden had asked the student to leave for home instead of informing police. LPU has denied the allegations, describing the claims circulating on social media as "false, baseless and fabricated".
Police have registered a case based on a student's complaint and formed a Special Investigation Team. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, call records and other digital evidence.
Protests spill onto NH-44
The protests later spread beyond the campus, with students blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, NH-44.
Police said protesters pelted stones after attempts were made to clear the blockade. Two police vehicles were reportedly set on fire, while several others were damaged. A number of policemen were also injured during the clashes.
The unrest resulted in extensive damage to university property, while the alleged looting at the campus mall added to the disruption.
Classes suspended for 10 days
Following the violence, LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice.
Police are investigating the identities of those allegedly involved in the looting, vandalism and arson. Some students have also alleged that outsiders were involved.
Authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other evidence to establish who was involved in the incidents. The investigation into the sexual assault allegations, the disputed student videos and the violence on campus is continuing.
