Indian university suspends classes amid violent protests
Lovely Professional University cancels exams after students clash with police over an alleged campus rape.
Lovely Professional University cancels exams after students clash with police over an alleged campus rape.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Lovely Professional University in Punjab has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations following violent protests on campus.
- University registrar Monica Gulati denied the rape had taken place, stating there was “no truth” to the allegations.
- The incident occurs amid broader concerns about sexual violence in India, where more than 80 rapes are reported to police every day, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
- [aljazeera.
What happened at the university?
Lovely Professional University in Punjab has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations following violent protests on campus. The unrest began after a female student claimed she was raped on the university grounds last week, according to posts on social media. Some reports indicated the student had committed suicide, though police have not confirmed the identity of the victim.
Demonstrators clashed with police on Sunday, leading to reports of vandalism inside the university. Protesters allegedly threw stones, smashed windows, set fire to vehicles, and damaged police vehicles. Students also reportedly blocked a nearby highway, disrupting traffic in the area.
How did university officials respond?
University registrar Monica Gulati denied the rape had taken place, stating there was “no truth” to the allegations. She described the circulating information as a “deliberate and concerted attempt to malign the reputation of the university.”
To maintain order, the university advised students who remain on campus to stay inside their hostels and avoid involvement in unrest. The administration also stated that students may travel to their hometowns during the 10-day suspension period if they wish to do so.
Context on sexual violence in India
The incident occurs amid broader concerns about sexual violence in India, where more than 80 rapes are reported to police every day, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Activists argue this figure is a major undercount, as many victims do not report crimes due to social stigma or coercion.
The Supreme Court recently pushed for accountability over a recent spate of rape cases in the national capital, stating they reflected a “failure of law enforcement.” Hundreds of students protested in Delhi last week to demand better safety for women after a teenager said she was raped in a city park.
Sources and context
aljazeera.com — Indian university suspends classes amid violent protests over alleged rape
abcnews.com — District attorney reopens case of alleged Cornell University 'gang rape'
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