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LPU Protest Row: Students Allege University Video Was Scripted, Claims Edited Without Consent
In Short
Three LPU students who appeared in a university video denying an alleged hostel incident now claim they were instructed what to say and that the recording was edited and posted without their consent.
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LPU Protest Row: Students Allege University Video Was Scripted, Claims Edited Without Consent
Three students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) who appeared in a video released by the university to counter allegations of a rape and suicide involving a female student have now claimed that they were instructed about what to say.
The students also alleged that the video was edited before being uploaded on the university’s social media accounts and claimed they had not given consent for its publication.
The claims have emerged amid continuing unrest at the Punjab university over allegations that a female student was raped inside a hostel by a construction worker and later died by suicide. The allegations have not been independently established.
Students Claim They Were Told What To Say
The three students had appeared in a video shared by LPU on Instagram and X amid protests on the campus.
In the university’s version of the video, Registrar Monika Gulati introduced them as residents of Room 504 in Girls’ Hostel 3. The students said they had been staying there for around two months and denied that any such incident had taken place inside their room.
One student said the residents had been distressed and had threatened to inform their parents if the alleged harassment continued. Another appealed to police to stop repeatedly visiting the room.
LPU used the video to challenge claims circulating on social media about an alleged incident in the hostel.
New Video Raises Questions Over University’s Version
In another purported video that subsequently surfaced, the same students alleged that they had been instructed to make specific statements.
One of the students claimed they were told to say that other students were troubling them and that they followed the directions given to them.
The students further alleged that the original recording was later edited before being posted online.
They claimed that only part of what they had said was retained and that the video was uploaded without their knowledge or permission.
The students also said they had no connection with the alleged incident and appealed to people not to target them over the controversy.
Hindustan Times said it could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.
What Triggered The LPU Protests?
The controversy escalated after allegations surfaced that a female student had allegedly been raped by a construction worker inside an LPU hostel.
Students also alleged that the hostel warden asked the woman to return home instead of informing police. According to statements attributed to DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla, the student allegedly later died by suicide at her home.
These claims triggered protests on the university campus, with students demanding that a case be registered against the alleged accused.
The demonstrations subsequently turned violent, with reports of damage to university property, fires being set in parts of buildings and the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway being blocked.
LPU Denies Rape-Suicide Allegations
LPU has rejected the allegations and described the claims circulating about the incident as false.
The university had earlier accused what it called “anti-social elements” of attempting to create confusion among students and disrupt the academic environment.
However, the police investigation has continued.
Authorities have examined the hostel premises and CCTV footage and have said that digital and technical evidence will form part of the probe.
Police have also included representatives of protesting students in the investigation team.
Classes Suspended For 10 Days
Amid the continuing tension, LPU announced that regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days from September 28.
The university also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice.
Students were allowed to travel to their hometowns after consulting their parents or guardians. Those remaining on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels, avoid unnecessary movement and refrain from participating in activities that could lead to further unrest.
The latest allegations by the three students have added another layer to the controversy, while the authenticity of the videos and the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident remain subject to verification and investigation.
