Violence broke out again at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara on Sunday, September 28, after a report about the rape of a female student by an outsider began circulating on the campus. Students clashed with police, pelted stones and set at least three vehicles on fire, while several police personnel were injured.
#WATCH | Phagwara, Punjab: Visuals from outside Lovely Professional University, where the protest by students turned violent. Police personnel sustain injuries. https://t.co/OPYoD2QXLh pic.twitter.com/fNtrFVCR4y
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026
The fresh violence followed overnight unrest on campus, including vandalism and a blockade of NH-44. Students were demanding justice for the student and action against anyone found responsible for the incident.
Students claimed that an outsider working as a plumber had entered a girl student’s room in the GH3 girls’ hostel around September 23-24 and sexually assaulted her. They also accused the hostel warden of not taking action after the matter was reported.
The protesters have demanded stronger security in girls’ hostels, that male staff should not be deployed in areas where female students live, and greater accountability of hostel officials. Some students also demanded the resignation of the hostel warden and action against university officials if negligence is established.
Police register rape case, form SIT
Police have registered a rape case based on a female student’s complaint at Satnampura police station under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with rape. The complainant is not identified as the student who is said to have been assaulted.
Police have not named the student, or any accused person, and no arrest has been announced so far. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said investigators would examine forensic material, CCTV footage and call records before reaching a conclusion.
A Special Investigation Team has also been formed to investigate the case. The SIT is headed by SP (Phagwara) Major Singh and includes a DSP, a woman police inspector and student representatives. Police said student representatives are being kept informed about the investigation.
Police have said they have so far not found evidence establishing that the reported assault took place. LPU has also denied these claims.
Protest turns violent
The protests escalated on Sunday when students clashed with police and damaged vehicles. Protesters threw stones at police personnel and at least three vehicles were set on fire. Several policemen were injured, although the exact number was not immediately available.
Police moved their vehicles away from the area to prevent further damage and brought in additional forces. ADGP M F Farooqui said more than 2,000 police personnel had been deployed on the campus to maintain security through the night.
DIG Naveen Singla said the situation had been brought under control and that traffic movement on NH-44 would soon resume.
Classes suspended for 10 days
Following the violence, LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28. Mid-term examinations have also been postponed until further notice.
The university asked students staying on campus to remain inside their hostels or places of residence, avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from the ongoing unrest. Students have also started leaving the campus for their homes.
Several rounds of talks between the protesting students and university management did not reach a conclusion. Vice Chancellor Sandhu assured the students that their genuine grievances would be addressed.
Police and university officials have urged students and their families to remain calm. The investigation into the rape complaint and the events that led to the violence is continuing.
