How did social media rumours in Punjab lead to protests at two private universities? | Explained
Violent protests erupted at Chitkara University and Lovely Professional University in Punjab following unverified social media rumors regarding alleged sexual assaults. The university administrations suspended classes and postponed exams as police investigated the source of the misinformation.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the dangerous real-world consequences of viral misinformation and the challenges educational institutions face in maintaining campus safety.
How did social media rumours in Punjab lead to protests at two private universities? | Explained left Punjab Police personnel stand guard at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) campus as students depart for their hometowns, in Phagwara, Punjab, on September 28, 2026. T PTI PTI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/89mnd0/article71541799.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Punjab-universiGSGGJFVK3.3.jpg.jpg - Phagwara: Punjab Police personnel stand guard at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) campus as students depart for their hometowns, in Phagwara, Punjab, Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. The university administration suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations following violent campus protests and national highway blockades triggered by unverified social media rumours of an alleged sexual assault. (PTI Photo)(PTI09_28_2026_000451B) What happened in Chitkara University and Lovely Professional University? What are the police probing?
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