LPU Protests Explained: Campus Violence, Police Action and Investigation Updates

Violent protests broke out at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, after students raised claims about the alleged rape of a female student on campus. The protest began near Girls’ Hostel-3 in the early hours of Sunday and later spread to the university grounds and NH-44.

The case has led to a large police deployment, the suspension of regular classes and the postponement of mid-term exams. The police have registered a case against an unknown person and formed a special investigation team. The facts of the alleged assault are still under investigation.

Why did the LPU protest begin?

Students said a female student had been allegedly raped by a plumber three days before the protest. They also claimed that the hostel warden knew about the matter but did not take action. These claims led to anger among students, who gathered near the girls’ hostel at about 1 am.

Students demanded a clear response from the university and asked its Founder-Chancellor, Ashok Mittal, to meet them at the protest site. They also wanted access to the University Management System to remain open and sought assurance that students would not face action for taking part in the protest.

The university has denied knowledge of any such incident and said it would cooperate with the police investigation. Since different claims have emerged, investigators will need to check evidence before reaching a conclusion.

How did the protest turn violent?

At around 8 am, protesters blocked NH-44 outside the university. The road connects several important parts of north India, so the blockade caused long lines of vehicles and left many travellers stranded.

Police later tried to clear the road. Officials said some students threw water bottles and clashed with the police. A mild lathi charge followed, after which the protesters moved back towards the campus.

According to the police, students then threw stones at police vehicles. Two police vehicles were set on fire, while four or five other vehicles were damaged. Videos shared online also showed damage to property and an ATM kiosk. Some students climbed on a decommissioned aircraft and a military tank displayed on the campus. The scenes looked less like a university day and more like a very poor action film, but the damage and injuries were real.

Police deploy more than 2,000 personnel

More than 2,000 police personnel were sent to the university after the violence grew. ADGP M F Farooqui said the force would remain on campus through the night to protect students and restore order.

Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh said reports of trouble inside the hostels were rumours. Police checked the hostels and said there was no disturbance. Officials also said traffic on NH-44 had resumed and that the overall situation was under control.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the police to take strict action against those responsible for the unrest. He also asked Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the site and review the situation.

Classes suspended and exams postponed

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

The administration asked students to stay calm, follow official instructions and remain connected to university updates. Several rounds of talks between student groups and university officials did not settle all the issues.

Vice-Chancellor Jaspal Singh Sandhu said the concerns raised by students would be addressed. Students also asked for more women staff in hostels, which the university said it would consider.

What is known about the police investigation?

Police have registered an FIR against an unknown person based on a complaint linked to the students’ allegations. A special investigation team will examine forensic samples, CCTV footage and call records. Student representatives may also be involved in the process.

The police said the female student mentioned in the complaint had returned home. Officials have not announced a final finding on the alleged rape claim. A fair investigation will need statements from the student, witnesses, hostel staff and other people who may have relevant information.

Police also referred to the death by suicide of a female student from Telangana around 15 days earlier. Officials said action would be taken if the investigation found evidence of foul play. The two matters must be examined separately, as there is no confirmed link between them at this stage.

University rejects the rape claim

LPU Registrar Monica Gulati denied the allegation and called the reports false and baseless. The university released a video of three female students identified as residents of Room 504 in the hostel named during the protest.

In the video, the students said no rape had taken place in their room. They also asked police and other students not to disturb them. The students said repeated visits to their room had caused distress and asked that their parents be informed if the disturbance continued.

The video does not settle the wider investigation. It only records the statements of the students shown in it. Police evidence, witness accounts and forensic findings will determine what happened.

Political reaction and student concerns

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticised the state government over the incident. He said students needed transparent and time-bound answers instead of rumours or silence.

The protest has raised questions about campus safety, hostel management, police response and the need for clear communication during a crisis. For students and families, the key updates remain the safety of those on campus, the status of classes and exams, and the progress of the investigation.