Classes suspended, mid-term exams postponed
Tension at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara intensified after violent student protests over allegations of sexual assault on a female student, prompting the university to suspend regular classes for 10 days from September 28.
The university has also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. A revised examination schedule will be communicated separately through the University Management System (UMS).
In its communication to students, LPU said the decision was taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Students have been advised to travel to their hometowns during the 10-day period in consultation with their parents or guardians. Those staying on campus have been asked to remain inside their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement or participation in the unrest.
Protests turn violent, vehicles and property damaged
The unrest, which began over claims circulating among students about an alleged sexual assault in a girls’ hostel, escalated into vandalism and clashes with police.
Students reportedly damaged university property, shops and vehicles, while some objects were set on fire. Police vehicles were also targeted, and videos from the campus showed flames and extensive disruption.
The protests later spilled onto the Jalandhar-Phagwara stretch of National Highway-44, where students blocked traffic for more than 15 hours. Police subsequently cleared the highway, and traffic movement was restored on Monday. Officials said the situation had become peaceful and was under control.
Police use lathicharge, tear gas amid clashes
As the situation deteriorated, police personnel faced stone-pelting and attacks on vehicles. Police resorted to lathicharge, while tear gas shells were reportedly fired to disperse protesters.
The protests also saw dramatic scenes on campus, with students climbing onto a decommissioned MiG-23 aircraft and a military tank installed on the university premises.
FIR registered, seven-member SIT formed
While the university has described the sexual-assault allegation as false and fabricated, police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person on rape charges and initiated an investigation.
Police officials said preliminary inquiries at the location cited by protesting students did not substantiate the allegation.
LPU denies allegation, students raise security concerns
LPU has repeatedly denied the allegation and urged students, parents and the public not to circulate unverified information.
The university has said it is cooperating with the police investigation and will provide CCTV footage and other material sought by investigators.
Protesting students, meanwhile, have raised concerns over security arrangements in girls’ hostels and demanded greater accountability from university officials. Their demands have included stronger hostel security, restrictions on male staff in areas housing female students, action against officials if negligence is established and assurances that students will not face action for participating in the protest.
Students begin leaving campus
With classes suspended, several students began leaving the university campus for their hometowns on Monday. The university has advised those who remain to stay indoors and avoid areas affected by the unrest.
Police said the situation had remained peaceful since the previous night, while security personnel continued to be deployed around the campus.
The developments leave the campus facing a period of uncertainty as the police investigation into the allegations continues alongside efforts by the university and authorities to restore normalcy.