Student Protest Erupts at Punjab University Over Rape Allegation; Students Climb on Fighter Jet and Tank
Phagwara, Punjab | September 27, 2026
Hundreds of students joined the demonstration, which began around midnight and intensified in the early hours of Sunday. The protest later spilled beyond the campus, with students blocking part of the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway and disrupting traffic.
Dramatic scenes were reported from inside the university grounds, where students climbed onto military equipment displayed on campus. Videos circulating on social media showed one student sitting on an Indian Air Force MiG-23UM fighter aircraft, while around 10 students were seen standing on top of a military tank installed as part of a campus display.
Protest intensifies amid allegations
According to police, the initial protest began near a women's hostel at around 1 a.m. on Sunday.
Students alleged that a female resident of the university's G-3 hostel had been sexually assaulted on September 24 by a person from outside the university. Some protesters claimed that a plumber or construction worker may have been involved and alleged that the matter had previously been brought to the attention of hostel authorities.
Those claims have not been independently established.
The allegations quickly spread among students, prompting demonstrations at several locations across the campus. Protesters demanded a thorough investigation, greater security for female students and accountability from the university administration.
Vandalism and fires reported
The situation escalated as the demonstration continued, with reports of vandalism and fires at several locations on the university grounds.
Videos shared widely on social media appeared to show students breaking window panes, flower pots and other property. Some footage also showed flames coming from parts of a university building and other objects on campus.
Several shops within the university premises were also reportedly damaged.
The authenticity and full context of individual videos circulating online could not immediately be independently verified.
As the protest grew, students moved towards the main entrance and eventually blocked a section of the Jalandhar-Phagwara national highway, causing disruption to traffic in the area.
Police launch investigation
Police have launched an investigation into the alleged assault and registered a case based on the statement of the student concerned, officials said.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to investigate the allegations. The team will be led by Major Singh, Superintendent of Police in Phagwara, according to senior police officials.
Investigators are expected to examine available evidence, including CCTV footage and other relevant material, as they establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation and determine whether anyone was involved.
Police have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that the allegations have not yet been established as fact.
University rejects allegations as rumours
The university administration has rejected the allegations, describing them as rumours and misleading information.
University officials have urged students and parents not to rely on unverified claims circulating on social media and said that information concerning the incident should be assessed through official channels.
The university's position contrasts with the concerns raised by protesting students, who have demanded that the allegations be investigated transparently and that the safety arrangements at women's hostels be strengthened.
Security concerns at the centre of protests
During discussions surrounding the protest, students raised concerns about security at the women's hostels and questioned how complaints involving student safety are handled.
Among the demands reportedly raised by students was the deployment of female staff at women's hostels, along with stronger security measures.
The incident has also highlighted the speed with which unverified information can spread through social media and trigger large-scale unrest on university campuses.
For now, several key questions remain unanswered: whether the alleged assault occurred as reported, who may have been involved, and whether university authorities were informed about the allegation before the protests began.
Those issues are expected to be addressed through the police investigation. Until investigators complete their inquiry, the allegation remains under investigation rather than an established fact.
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