Lovely Professional University in Punjab has suspended academic activities for 10 days following violent protests over allegations that a female student was raped on campus.
The university also postponed its midterm examinations after demonstrations escalated into clashes between protesters and police.
The allegations emerged on social media, with some posts claiming that a female student had been raped and later died by suicide. Police said they were investigating the matter, but noted that the identity of the alleged victim had not been established.
During Sunday's protests, demonstrators reportedly clashed with police, damaged windows and vehicles, set fire to vehicles on campus and allegedly damaged police vehicles. Students also reportedly blocked a nearby highway.
University Registrar Monica Gulati denied that a rape had occurred, saying there was “no truth” to the allegations. She accused unidentified individuals of deliberately spreading false and misleading information to damage the university's reputation.
Three female students who live in the building where the alleged incident was said to have occurred appeared in a video supporting the registrar's denial. However, another video later circulated in which the same students reportedly claimed they had been instructed on what to say.
The university has advised students who wish to return to their hometowns to do so in consultation with their parents or guardians. Those remaining on campus were urged to stay inside their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement or involvement in the unrest.
The incident comes amid renewed concerns about sexual violence in India. The country's Supreme Court on Monday called for greater accountability over a recent series of rape cases in New Delhi and surrounding areas, describing them as reflecting a failure of law enforcement.
According to India's National Crime Records Bureau, more than 80 rape cases are reported to police across the country each day. Activists, however, say the actual number may be significantly higher because many victims do not report sexual violence due to stigma, fear or coercion.
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