Rumours of ghosts, 'missing' girls spark violent protest at Chitkara University

PATIALA: Hundreds of students protested at Chitkara University near Rajpura of Patiala district late Friday and early Saturday after unverified social media rumours claimed two female students were missing.The unrest escalated into clashes with police, vandalism of two police vehicles and damage to campus property.Banur police station SHO inspector Gursewak Singh said the unrest began after a prank by some students sparked rumours about ghosts linked to an alumnus’s suicide in a hostel. Rumours later spread that two female students were missing.Police and university officials said unverified posts and clips circulated through student WhatsApp and social media groups. Some students also claimed screams had been heard from the girls’ hostel. Hundreds of hostellers gathered in common areas, raised slogans against the administration and demanded transparency.Teams from Banur, Rajpura Sadar and Rajpura City police stations reached the campus.