LPU Student Protest Turns Violent in Phagwara: Classes Suspended for 10 Days, SIT Probes Alleged Sexual Assault

A student protest at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara turned violent on Sunday after claims circulated among students and on social media about an alleged sexual assault on campus.

According to reports, students alleged that an outsider working as a plumber had entered a girl's hostel room and sexually assaulted her several days earlier. Students also alleged that the matter had been brought to the attention of hostel authorities but that no action was taken. These allegations have not been established by police.

The protest began near a girls' hostel before spreading across the campus. Students damaged university property, shops and vehicles, while some objects were reportedly set on fire. The unrest also spilled onto the Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch of National Highway-44, causing major traffic disruption.

The situation deteriorated further when police attempted to clear the highway blockade.

Officials said protesters allegedly targeted police personnel and vehicles with stones. Police subsequently used a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. The confrontation continued after protesters moved back towards the university campus.

Police officials said several personnel were injured and multiple vehicles were damaged. At least two police vehicles were reported to have been set on fire, while other vehicles were also damaged during the violence.

The highway remained blocked for more than 15 hours before traffic movement was restored during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. Police forces continued to be deployed around the university as authorities worked to maintain order.

Following the students' complaint, police registered an FIR against an unidentified person under rape charges.

A Special Investigation Team has been constituted to examine the allegations. Investigators are expected to examine CCTV footage, forensic evidence and phone data, with student representatives also included in the investigation process.

However, police told The Indian Express that their preliminary checks at the location identified by protesters had not substantiated the alleged assault. Three students who were reportedly present in the hostel room where the incident was alleged to have occurred also denied that any such incident took place.

The investigation therefore remains ongoing, and the allegation should not be treated as established fact at this stage.

LPU management has strongly denied the allegation.

The university described the claims as false and fabricated rumours and said it was cooperating with the police investigation. It also urged students, parents and the public not to circulate unverified information.

The university said it would provide investigators with relevant CCTV footage and other material required for the probe.

Following the violence, LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28. The university also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice.

Students remaining on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels or residences, avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from the unrest. Students were also permitted to return home after consulting their parents or guardians.

The university's decision came as authorities increased security around the campus and traffic on NH-44 gradually returned to normal.

During discussions with police, students also raised the case of another female LPU student from Telangana who reportedly died by suicide around two weeks earlier.

Police said the student's mobile phone had been sent for forensic examination. Officials said further legal action would depend on what the investigation establishes and whether evidence of foul play emerges.

For now, police have not established a connection between that case and the current sexual-assault allegation.

Authorities said the situation at LPU was brought under control after additional police forces were deployed. Traffic on NH-44 was restored, while security personnel remained stationed around the university.

The immediate focus is now on maintaining campus safety and completing the investigation into the allegations that triggered the protest. The police probe, including CCTV, forensic and digital evidence, is expected to determine the facts surrounding the claims.

The incident has also raised wider concerns about student safety, hostel security, misinformation on social media and the handling of serious allegations on university campuses.