Protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara escalated into violence over the weekend, prompting authorities to deploy more than 2,000 police personnel on campus. The university has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed its mid-term examinations as authorities work to restore order.
The protests began after allegations of sexual assault involving a female student surfaced on campus. The university has denied the allegation and said the claims were false. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to establish what happened.
The situation worsened on Sunday when students gathered in large numbers and blocked National Highway 44, disrupting traffic between Jalandhar and Phagwara. Police said protesters threw stones and damaged vehicles during clashes. Two police vehicles were reportedly set on fire.
The heavy police deployment followed the escalation, with authorities saying the situation was brought under control after security forces moved in. Police also checked hostel buildings after rumours of further disturbances circulated.
Classes suspended, exams postponed
LPU announced that regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days from September 28. Mid-term examinations have also been postponed until further notice.
The university advised students who wanted to leave the campus to consult their parents or guardians. Those remaining at the university were asked to stay inside their hostels and avoid unnecessary movement.
A number of students reportedly left the campus amid the uncertainty.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the state police chief to visit the university and review the situation. Police have formed a special investigation team to look into the allegations and the violence that followed.
Conflicting accounts emerge
The alleged sexual assault remains at the centre of the controversy.
LPU has maintained that it did not receive a complaint about such an incident and has accused unidentified individuals of spreading misinformation.
The university also released a video featuring three female students who were identified as residents of a hostel room reportedly linked to the allegations. In the video, the students said no such incident had occurred in their room.
The students later questioned the circumstances surrounding the video. They alleged that university officials had instructed them about what to say and that portions of their original recording had been edited before it was shared publicly.
Those claims have not been independently verified. The conflicting accounts are now part of the wider investigation.
Police examine evidence
Authorities have said the investigation will focus on evidence rather than rumours circulating on social media. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic material, digital evidence and other relevant information to establish the sequence of events.
Police have also said that reports circulating about fresh disturbances inside hostels were unverified and that the buildings had been checked.
Another issue raised during the protests concerns the death of a female student from Telangana who died by suicide around two weeks earlier. Police have said any possible connection or allegation of foul play will be examined if evidence emerges.
Campus remains under security
The unrest has raised concerns over student safety, campus security and the handling of serious allegations at educational institutions.
With classes suspended and examinations postponed, authorities are now focused on preventing further violence while the investigation continues.
The university has appealed to students to remain calm and follow safety instructions. Police presence remains high around the campus and surrounding areas.
The investigation will determine the facts behind the allegations and the events that triggered the protests. Until then, conflicting claims surrounding the alleged assault remain unverified.
