Punjab up in flames over protest, students climb MiG-23 and tank

Widespread protests have erupted in India's Punjab over allegations of rape of a female student at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Jalandhar. Indian media outlet NDTV reports that during a protest that began early Sunday morning, a student climbed onto an Indian Air Force MiG-23UM fighter jet displayed on the campus.

Several other students were also seen on top of a military tank.

During the protest, students vandalised the campus and set fire to several places. Later, the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway was also blocked. The students alleged that on September 24, a student living in the university's girls' hostel was raped by an outsider.

Police said an investigation is underway. However, the university authorities claimed the allegation spreading on social media is rumour and baseless.

During the protest, students chanted various slogans. Windowpanes and flower tubs were vandalised at various places on the campus, and some structures and objects were also set on fire.

There were also allegations of vandalism at several shops. Later, when students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, traffic movement was severely disrupted.

Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla told NDTV that police have recorded the student's statement and filed a case against unidentified persons. Forensic, CCTV and mobile phone data will be analysed in the investigation.

He further said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the allegation, to be led by Phagwara Superintendent of Police Major Singh.

Police officials said students have several other demands, including keeping only female staff in the girls' hostel.

Meanwhile, LPU Registrar Monica Gulati said the university has urged students and guardians not to believe or spread rumours and to follow the information provided by the authorities.