Pabitra Banerjee: Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, has been gripped by intense unrest following widespread student demonstrations over an alleged sexual assault on campus. What began as a midnight protest near the university hostels quickly escalated into widespread chaos, resulting in property vandalism, stone-pelting, and vehicles being set on fire.
As the demonstration expanded, frustrated students briefly blockaded the crucial Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch of National Highway-44 (NH-44), causing massive traffic disruptions before authorities moved in to clear the route. In response to the escalating violence and security risks, the Punjab Police deployed over 2,000 personnel across the campus to conduct flag marches and bring the situation under control.
Mid-Term Exams Deferred and Mobile Internet Suspended
The university administration officially announced the suspension of all regular classes for 10 days, alongside the indefinite postponement of ongoing mid-term examinations. Students have been advised to head home or remain safely inside their hostels. To curb the spread of volatile misinformation, local authorities also ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet services across a 3–4 km radius surrounding the campus.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav to assess ground conditions and warned of stern legal action against those responsible for orchestrating violence and property destruction.
Administration Denies Allegations as SIT Formed
While the student body has demanded strict accountability, LPU authorities—including Registrar Dr. Monica Gulati—have strongly condemned the unrest, dismissing the core allegations as false, baseless, and fabricated rumors spread by external elements to harm the institution’s reputation. The university also released recorded statements from female hostel residents stating that no such assault had occurred.
Meanwhile, Punjab Police have registered an FIR against unknown individuals and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe the matter. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla confirmed that forensic evidence, call detail records (CDRs), and campus CCTV footage are undergoing detailed technical analysis to uncover the sequence of events.
