Archive · 28 Sep 2026
AAP Says Police Handled LPU Unrest With Restraint
Students at Lovely Professional University protested after claims that an outsider had raped a female student.
The reports said these claims had not been verified.
The protest became violent, with alleged property damage, a highway blockade and attacks on police vehicles.
Several police officers were reportedly injured.
AAP leader Baltej Singh Pannu said police did not use batons or pellet guns against the students.
He said officers spoke with students and worked to restore order.
A Special Investigation Team is investigating what happened.
The university suspended classes and let students go home if they wanted.
People found responsible for vandalism or other damage may face legal action.
LPU students protested over unverified claims that an outsider raped a female student on campus.
Protesters allegedly vandalised property, blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway and injured police officers by throwing stones and attacking vehicles.
AAP leader Baltej Singh Pannu said Punjab Police used restraint and did not use batons or pellet guns against students.
A Special Investigation Team is examining the allegations, unrest and responsibility for any property damage.
LPU suspended classes, allowed students to leave and said legal action would follow against alleged infiltrators and those responsible for disruption.
- Who
- LPU students, Punjab Police, the Punjab government, AAP, university management and opposition parties were involved; a Special Investigation Team is investigating.
- What
- Protests at Lovely Professional University involved alleged vandalism, a highway blockade, attacks on police and injuries to several officers.
- When
- The unrest occurred on Sunday, and the campus was reported peaceful and under control on Monday, September 28; one report dates the coverage to 2026.
- Where
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, near Jalandhar, Punjab, including the adjacent Jalandhar-Phagwara highway.
- Why
- Students protested over claims that an outsider had raped a female student on campus; the claims were described as unverified.
AAP and Government Account
Opposition and University Concerns
Police handling
AAP and Government Account
AAP said Punjab Police acted professionally and with restraint, did not use batons or pellet guns, and engaged with students to restore order.
Opposition and University Concerns
Congress, BJP and SAD criticised the Punjab government over law-and-order concerns and alleged police laxity.
Interpretation of the unrest
AAP and Government Account
AAP said the matter was sensitive, urged people to await the SIT’s findings and accused opposition leaders of politicising the incident.
Opposition and University Concerns
LPU said anti-social elements exploited heightened emotions, caused disruption and damaged university property.
Accountability
AAP and Government Account
AAP said responsibility should be established through the SIT’s evidence-based investigation and that those responsible for vandalism would face legal action.
Opposition and University Concerns
LPU said appropriate legal action would be taken against alleged infiltrators and those responsible for disruption or damage.
- University
- Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab
- Reported trigger
- Unverified claims that an outsider raped a female student on campus
- Reported unrest
- Students allegedly vandalised property, blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, threw stones at police and attacked police vehicles
- Police account
- AAP said no batons or pellet guns were used and that police handled the situation with restraint
- Investigation
- A Special Investigation Team is examining the allegations, circumstances surrounding the unrest and responsibility based on evidence
- University response
- Classes were suspended, students were allowed to go home, and those staying were advised to remain in their residences
- Police leadership
- Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit LPU
Sources
LPU Unrest: No Batons, Pellet Guns Used On Students, Says AAP’s Baltej Pannu
Situation at LPU was highly sensitive, Punjab Police handled situation with restraint: AAP
Punjab Police handled LPU situation professionally, claims AAP leader Pannu
