An unverified claim that a female student had been raped at Lovely Professional University in Punjab sparked protests that escalated into violence over the weekend. Classes have been suspended for 10 days, exams postponed and students allowed to leave; the incident has raised concerns about safety and the handling of rumours on a large residential campus.

The unrest began on 27 September after messages spread through student WhatsApp groups alleging an assault several days earlier, with conflicting accounts of the suspected perpetrator. Police say no student has reported being assaulted, they have not identified a victim or suspect, and CCTV reviewed so far shows no evidence of an attack; the university says the claims are false. After protesters demanded a formal complaint, police registered a rape case against an unidentified person and appointed a seven-member investigation team; the case records an allegation and does not establish that a crime occurred. Hundreds blocked National Highway 44 for more than 15 hours, and vehicles and campus property were damaged.