Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, staged protests after social media claims alleged that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus.
The allegations have not been established. LPU officials have denied that the incident occurred, describing the claims as baseless, while police have registered a case against an unidentified person and launched an investigation.
The protests later escalated into clashes, vandalism and a blockade of a national highway. As tensions grew, the university suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations.
Students Protest Over Sexual Assault Claim
The unrest began after claims about an alleged assault circulated on social media and among students.
According to reports, students gathered near the university’s hostel areas and demanded action over the allegations. However, the university has maintained that no such assault was established.
Police have continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the claims. An Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to examine the matter.
Some reports initially linked the alleged incident to an outsider. However, current police reporting does not establish the identity or affiliation of an accused person.
Protests Escalate Into Violence
The demonstrations intensified over the weekend as large numbers of students gathered on campus.
The situation eventually turned violent, with protesters reportedly throwing stones and damaging property. Vehicles were also damaged, while some were set on fire during the unrest.
Police intervened as clashes developed between students and security personnel. Several police personnel were reportedly injured during the confrontation.
Students also blocked NH-44, disrupting traffic between Jalandhar and Phagwara. The highway remained blocked for several hours before authorities restored traffic.
LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days
Following the unrest, LPU announced the suspension of regular classes for 10 days from September 28.
The university also postponed its midterm examinations until further notice. Officials said the decision was intended to protect students and restore normal conditions on campus.
Students who remained at the university were advised to stay inside their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement while the situation remained tense.
Meanwhile, many students began leaving the campus as authorities increased security around the university.
Police Form Special Investigation Team
Police have launched a detailed investigation into both the original allegation and the subsequent unrest.
The SIT includes police officials and other personnel tasked with examining available evidence. Authorities are also investigating the violence, property damage and alleged attacks on police personnel during the demonstrations.
Punjab Police have said that action will be taken against individuals found responsible for vandalism and other offences.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav also visited the university following the unrest. He said police had exercised restraint during the situation while warning that those involved in vandalism would face legal action.
University Denies Rape Allegation
LPU has strongly denied that a rape occurred on its campus.
The university described the allegation as unverified and fabricated, while authorities continue to examine the claims. Reports also indicate that students present in the relevant hostel room denied that an assault had occurred.
Therefore, the allegation should not be treated as an established fact while the investigation remains ongoing.
The reports circulating online have also generated confusion about the identity of the alleged perpetrator. At present, available police and mainstream reports do not establish that an Indian Air Force officer was responsible for the alleged assault.
Investigation Continues Amid Campus Unrest
The LPU situation now involves two separate issues: the investigation into the sexual-assault allegation and the violence that followed the protests.
Authorities will need to establish what happened in the reported incident while also determining responsibility for the damage and clashes on campus.
For now, LPU remains under heightened security, while classes have been temporarily suspended. As the police investigation continues, officials are expected to provide further information about the allegations and the events that triggered the protests.
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