LPU Protests Turn Violent: 2,000 Police Deployed, Classes Suspended for 10 Days
Protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara turned violent on Sunday, prompting the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel and the suspension of regular classes for 10 days. The unrest followed allegations that a female student was raped on the campus by an outsider.
The protest began near Girls’ Hostel-3 around 1 am on Sunday, with students claiming that a female student had been raped by a plumber three days earlier. They alleged that the hostel warden was informed but no action was taken. By around 8 am, protesters had blocked National Highway 44 outside the university, causing significant traffic disruptions.
As the day progressed, the protests turned violent. Students clashed with police, damaged and set fire to vehicles, and pelted stones at security personnel. Several policemen were injured in the clashes. A large police force led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M F Farooqui entered the campus after the violence escalated.
“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,” Farooqui said. He also appealed to the families of hostel residents, especially daughters, not to worry, stating that everyone was safe and the atmosphere was calm.
Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh said reports of disturbances in the hostels were rumours. “All hostels have been checked, and there are no issues. Traffic has resumed, and the situation is normal. Other matters will be resolved through discussions with the students,” he said. DIG (Jalandhar Range) Naveen Singla also said the situation was under control and that traffic movement on NH-44 would soon be restored.
The university has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. The administration appealed to students to remain calm and follow official instructions. Vice Chancellor Sandhu assured students that their genuine grievances would be addressed. However, several rounds of talks between protesting students and the university management remained inconclusive.
The protesters demanded that LPU Founder-Chancellor Ashok Mittal, who is also a BJP Rajya Sabha MP, visit the protest site and assure them that their concerns would be resolved. They also sought that access to the University Management System not be blocked and that students not be victimised for participating in the protest.
Police have registered a rape case and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegation. LPU has denied the rape claim and released a video of students, reportedly to counter the allegations. The university’s denial and the police investigation are both ongoing.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed strict action against those responsible for the unrest, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. Mann also directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the spot and assess the situation. The Congress party has attacked the Punjab government over its handling of the incident.
The incident has raised concerns about campus safety and the handling of sexual assault allegations. As the investigation proceeds, authorities have urged calm and assured that all issues will be addressed through dialogue.
