Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, has suspended regular classes for 10 days, effective Monday, September 28, and postponed mid-term examinations indefinitely following violent student protests. The unrest began early Sunday after allegations surfaced that a female student had been raped by an outsider.
Protests Escalate on National Highway
The protests initiated around 1 AM on Sunday near Girls’ Hostel-3 before escalating and spreading to National Highway-44. Students blocked traffic on the highway from approximately 8 AM, causing significant disruptions and forcing traffic diversions through alternative routes.
The situation intensified around 7:30 PM when police attempted to clear the blocked highway. Officials reported that some protesters threw water bottles at police, prompting a mild lathi charge (baton charge). Subsequently, protesters allegedly moved towards the university campus, pelting stones at police vehicles. According to police, two vehicles were set on fire, four to five others were damaged, and several personnel sustained injuries.
Additional police forces from Kapurthala, Jalandhar Rural, and Hoshiarpur were deployed to the scene. A heavy police contingent, led by ADGP M F Farooqui, entered the campus. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla confirmed that the situation had been brought under control and traffic on NH-44 would be restored.
Police Investigation and University's Response
Police have registered an FIR against an unknown person concerning the alleged rape and have established a special investigation team (SIT). Investigators are tasked with examining forensic evidence, reviewing CCTV footage, and analyzing call records related to the incident.
Students involved in the protests claimed the incident involved a plumber and alleged that a hostel warden had been informed but failed to take action. They also presented a list of demands, including assurances from LPU Founder-Chancellor Ashok Mittal, protection from punitive action for their participation in the protest, continued access to the University Management System, and the employment of women-only hostel staff.
LPU, however, has vehemently denied the rape allegations. Registrar Monica Gulati stated that the claims were “false, baseless, and fabricated,” suggesting that certain elements were attempting to disrupt the university’s academic environment. The university also released a video statement featuring three female students who asserted that no rape incident had occurred on campus.
The university cited student safety as the primary reason for the 10-day class suspension. Students have been advised that they may travel home after consulting with parents or guardians. Those remaining on campus are instructed to stay within their hostels or residences and avoid any activities related to the unrest.