Web Desk: Lovely Professional University in Punjab’s Phagwara has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed midterm examinations after student protests over an alleged sexual assault escalated into clashes, vandalism and a highway blockade.
Protests erupt over alleged assault
The unrest began early Sunday after messages circulated among students and on social media alleging that a female student had been sexually assaulted inside a women’s hostel. Some posts also claimed the student had later died by suicide, although police said the identity of the alleged victim had not been established.
Students gathered near Girls’ Hostel 3 and questioned the university’s response to the allegations. They called for greater security in women’s hostels and demanded accountability over how complaints involving student safety are handled.
The university, however, has rejected the allegations, with Registrar Monica Gulati saying there was no truth to the claims and describing them as false and fabricated.
Police open investigation
Despite the university’s denial, police registered a case against an unidentified person based on the allegations and established a Special Investigation Team to examine what happened.
Investigators are expected to examine forensic evidence, CCTV recordings and call records as part of the inquiry. Police officers told local media that preliminary checks at the location cited by protesters had not substantiated the alleged assault.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the alleged sexual assault has not been established as fact.
Demonstrations turn violent
The protests intensified on Sunday, with demonstrators blocking National Highway-44 outside the university. The confrontation later escalated into clashes with police, while reports said vehicles and other property were damaged and fires were set during the unrest.
Police deployed additional personnel to the campus and surrounding areas as authorities moved to restore order. By Monday, the university had come under heavy security, while students began leaving for their hometowns.
University suspends classes
LPU subsequently halted regular academic activities for 10 days beginning Sept. 28 and postponed its midterm examinations until further notice.
The university allowed students to return to their hometowns in consultation with their parents or guardians. Those who remained on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels or residences, limit unnecessary movement and avoid involvement in further unrest.
The developments have also prompted renewed scrutiny of campus security and the spread of unverified claims through social media.
Similar unrest reported elsewhere
The LPU protests came shortly after separate student unrest at Chitkara University in Rajpura, where unverified social media claims involving female students and a hostel also triggered demonstrations.
Indian Express reported that the two incidents occurred within roughly 27 hours and about 140 km of each other, with authorities examining how social media rumours contributed to the unrest.
The incidents have put renewed attention on how universities and authorities respond to allegations involving student safety while investigations are still under way.
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