LPU Suspends Classes And Postpones Exams After Violent Protests Over Alleged Campus Rape

Lovely Professional University suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations after student protests over an alleged campus rape turned violent. The demonstrations in Phagwara, Punjab, involved highway blockades, stone-pelting, and arson, prompting the deployment of more than 2,000 police personnel to restore order on the campus.

Campus Unrest

The protests began near Girls’ Hostel-3 around 1 am on Sunday after students alleged that a female student had been raped by a plumber three days earlier. Students claimed that the hostel warden had been informed of the allegation but that no action was taken. By 8 am, protesters had moved outside the university grounds to block National Highway 44, creating long queues of stranded traffic.

When police attempted to clear the highway blockade, the demonstration escalated into clashes. Protesters threw water bottles and stones at security personnel and police vehicles. According to Jalandhar Rural SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, two police vehicles were set on fire, and four to five other vehicles were damaged during the confrontation. Visuals from the campus showed damaged property and an ATM kiosk, with some individuals climbing onto a decommissioned MiG-23UM aircraft and a military tank displayed on the premises. Truck driver Vikas Yadav told reporters that he and other motorists had been stranded since 7 am and forced to abandon their vehicles.

Police Deployment And Security Response

Punjab Police responded by deploying more than 2,000 personnel under the direction of ADGP M F Farooqui and Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh. ADGP Farooqui stated that law and order had been fully maintained and restored following a flag march through the campus.

We will ensure security on the campus throughout the night… A force of over 2,000 personnel is currently deployed here. Law and order has been fully maintained and restored…

ADGP M F Farooqui

Police officials also addressed social media rumors concerning unrest inside student residences. Commissioner Satinder Singh confirmed that all campus hostels had been searched and that reports of disturbances in the living quarters were false. DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla added that traffic movement on National Highway 44 would resume shortly as conditions normalized. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the site, while the Chief Minister’s Office announced that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the violence.

University Suspensions And Demands From Students

In response to the unrest, the university administration suspended all regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. LPU stated that a revised examination schedule would be communicated through the University Management System. Students were permitted to return to their hometowns during the suspension period after consulting their families, while those remaining on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels.

Several rounds of talks between protesting students and the university management remained inconclusive. Protesters demanded that Ashok Mittal visit the site to assure them their concerns would be addressed. They also called for uninterrupted access to the University Management System and protection from victimization for participating in the demonstrations. Vice Chancellor Sandhu assured students that their genuine grievances would be addressed.

Investigation And Legal Proceedings

Police registered a formal First Information Report against an unknown person based on a complaint by the students, and a Special Investigation Team was formed to probe the case. DIG Naveen Singla noted that the girl was staying in Hostel No. 3 and had returned home after students alleged that no action had been taken on the matter. He said the investigation would involve student representatives and that they would analyse forensic samples, CCTV camera footage, call records, etc.