‘Ghost’ triggers clash, protests at Chitkara University in Punjab

New Delhi: A false social media campaign alleging a “ghost presence” at Chitkara University in Patiala, Punjab, triggered protests and violence on the campus after rumours spread that a female student had died by suicide and that her spirit was haunting a hostel.

Hundreds of students took to the streets late at night after videos claiming that a girl had died on campus and that her spirit was roaming around the hostel went viral on social media. During the protest, students reportedly damaged a police patrol vehicle.

Students also alleged that frightening screams had been heard from the girls’ hostel and claimed that two female students were missing. University authorities, however, rejected the allegations and said there had been no suicide or death at the hostel.

In an official statement, the university said the claims circulating on social media were false and baseless. It clarified that an ambulance had reached the hostel early on Thursday in connection with a student who was unwell, rather than a death or suicide.

The university also explained that a religious priest who had visited the girls’ hostel was there to meet his own daughter, rejecting suggestions that his presence was connected to any alleged supernatural incident.

Senior police officers reached the campus after learning about the unrest and held discussions with students. Police said the students were unable to provide clear details or names of the allegedly missing students.

Given the seriousness of the incident, police said they had collected complaints from students and that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, including verification of all students' details on campus.

The university urged students and parents not to panic over social media reels and messages circulating about the incident.