Protests erupt at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in connection with viral claims of a rape incident involving a female student. LPU founder-chairman Ashok Mittal alleges the violence is linked to a broader “conspiracy,” and he says the rape rumours are “100 per cent false,” framing the episode as an attempt to provoke unrest and tarnish Punjab and the university.
Authorities respond to the unrest with legal action. The reports also say calls are made for further investigation, including a potential role for the CBI. In interviews and statements, Mittal argues the incident is being used to generate destabilization and social disorder, including through provoking messages circulated on social media. While the details of the allegations and the motivations for the unrest are contested, both outlets describe Mittal’s view that national security concerns and the safety of Punjab, a border state, are central to his claims.
