Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara has suspended regular classes for 10 days from Monday, September 28, following violent protests on campus over allegations of rape involving a female student.
The university has also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. LPU said a revised examination schedule would be communicated to students through the University Management System (UMS).
The decision came after a day of protests, clashes with police and a blockade of National Highway-44 by students. The university said the temporary suspension was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students.
LPU Suspends Classes, Postpones Exams
In a notice issued to students, LPU advised them to remain calm and follow official instructions during the 10-day suspension period. Students have also been permitted to travel to their hometowns in consultation with their parents or guardians.
Those who remain on campus have been asked to stay inside their hostels or places of residence, avoid unnecessary movement and keep away from activities linked to the unrest.
The university said students should continue monitoring the UMS for updates regarding the postponed mid-term examinations.
Protests Over Alleged Rape
The protests began near Girls’ Hostel-3 around 1 am on Sunday after students alleged that a female student had been raped by a plumber three days earlier. Protesters also claimed that the hostel warden had been informed but that no action was taken.
The allegations led to a large protest, with students blocking NH-44 outside the university from around 8 am. The blockade caused severe traffic disruption in the area.
The situation escalated later in the evening when police attempted to clear the highway. Officials said protesters threw water bottles at police personnel, following which police used a mild lathi charge.
The protesters then moved towards the campus and allegedly pelted stones at police vehicles. Police said two vehicles were set on fire and four to five others were damaged. Several police personnel were also injured.
A heavy police contingent from Kapurthala, Jalandhar Rural and Hoshiarpur was deployed. A team led by ADGP M F Farooqui later entered the university campus.
FIR Registered, SIT Begins Probe
Police have registered an FIR against an unknown person based on a complaint related to the alleged rape. A special investigation team has also been formed to investigate the allegations.
Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said investigators would examine forensic evidence, CCTV footage and call records before reaching a conclusion.
According to police, students claimed that the alleged victim, who was staying in Hostel No. 3, had returned home after they believed no action had been taken.
Students also demanded that hostel staff should comprise only women. Police said the university management would look into the demand.
LPU Denies Rape Allegation
LPU has denied that a rape took place on its campus and described the allegations as rumours.
Registrar Monica Gulati said “false, baseless and fabricated” allegations were being circulated by anti-social elements in an attempt to disturb the university’s academic environment.
The university also released a video statement featuring three female students from Room No. 504. They said they had been staying there for around two months and claimed that no rape incident had occurred.
LPU said it would cooperate with the police investigation and urged students, parents and the public not to circulate unverified information.
Vandalism, Political Reaction
The protests also involved alleged vandalism and property damage. Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed damaged window panes, flower pots, vehicles and an ATM kiosk, while some objects were set on fire.
The NH-44 blockade resulted in long traffic queues, with traffic diverted through the Phagwara-Jandiala road and other routes.
Several rounds of talks between students and university management failed to resolve the standoff. LPU Vice Chancellor Jaspal Singh Sandhu assured students that genuine grievances would be addressed.
The protesters also demanded a meeting with LPU Founder-Chancellor Ashok Mittal, who is a BJP Rajya Sabha MP. They sought assurances on their demands, protection from action over their participation in the protests and continued access to the UMS.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticised the AAP government over the law-and-order situation and called for transparent and time-bound responses to students’ concerns.
For now, LPU has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations as the police investigation and SIT probe into the allegations continue.
