4 hrs ago
LPU Protests Turn Violent Over Assault Claim, University Denies
Students at Lovely Professional University protested after claims spread online about a sexual assault in a girls’ hostel.
They alleged that an outsider working as a plumber entered a student’s room.
The university said the claim was false and made up.
Police registered a rape case against an unidentified person or persons so they could investigate.
Police said the students in the room denied that an assault had happened, but the investigation is continuing.
Some protesters damaged property, started fires, attacked vehicles and blocked a highway.
Police used force after stones were thrown and police vehicles were targeted.
The university paused classes and postponed exams while officials investigate what happened.
Students at Lovely Professional University protested after alleging that an outsider sexually assaulted a girl on campus.
The university denied the allegation as false, baseless and fabricated, while police registered a rape FIR against unidentified person(s).
The protest involved property damage, fires, attacks on vehicles and a blockade of the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway.
Police formed a Special Investigation Team and said forensic, CCTV and phone data would be examined.
LPU suspended classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice.
- Who
- Lovely Professional University students, university officials and Punjab police were involved; the alleged victim and suspect were not publicly identified.
- What
- A violent protest followed claims of sexual assault on campus, while LPU denied the allegation and police opened an investigation.
- Where
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, including the campus and the national highway outside it.
- When
- The unrest began around 2 a.m. on Sunday; classes were suspended for 10 days from September 28, 2026.
- Why
- Students demanded justice, stronger hostel security and accountability after claims that an outsider assaulted a girl and hostel officials failed to act.
Students’ allegations and demands
University and police response
Whether an assault occurred
Students’ allegations and demands
Students alleged that an outsider entered a girl’s hostel room and sexually assaulted her several days earlier.
University and police response
LPU called the allegation false, baseless and fabricated. Police said preliminary checks did not substantiate it and that students in the room denied any assault, while continuing the investigation.
Hostel safety and accountability
Students’ allegations and demands
Students demanded stronger girls’ hostel security, restrictions on male staff in residential areas, greater accountability for hostel officials and action if negligence was established.
University and police response
The university said it would cooperate with police and provide CCTV footage, while the police included student representatives in the investigation.
Handling of the protest
Students’ allegations and demands
Students sought assurances from Founder-Chancellor Ashok Mittal, protection from victimisation, continued access to the University Management System and action against officials found responsible.
University and police response
The university suspended classes and postponed examinations. Police said protesters attacked vehicles and threw stones, and officers used force before bringing the situation under control.
Key facts
- University
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab
- Allegation
- Students claimed an outsider working as a plumber sexually assaulted a girl in a hostel room
- Police case
- A rape FIR was registered against an unidentified person; one report said multiple unidentified persons
- Investigation
- A Special Investigation Team is headed by SP (Phagwara) Major Singh and includes student representatives
- Protest impact
- Campus property and vehicles were damaged, fires were reported, and a national highway was blocked
- Academic measures
- Classes were suspended for 10 days from September 28, and mid-term examinations were postponed
- University position
- LPU described the allegation as false, baseless and fabricated
Quotes
Jaspal Singh Sandhu
LPU Vice Chancellor
“The police have registered an FIR and the university is fully cooperating with the investigation. So far, no such incident has come to my notice. We will provide all CCTV footage, anything the police want. The SIT that has been constituted also has student representatives as its members.”
indianexpress.com
“The FIR has been registered on charges of rape against the unidentified suspect. The matter will be investigated scientifically, and forensic, CCTV and phone data will be examined. We have asked students’ representatives to be part of our investigation. We will unearth the truth.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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