Tensions escalated dramatically outside Lovely Professional University (LPU) on Sunday evening as student demonstrations over an alleged sexual assault turned violent, leading to clashes with law enforcement, stone-pelting, and arson.
The fresh wave of unrest followed overnight vandalism on campus and an extensive blockade of National Highway-44. Agitated protesters clashed with police personnel deployed to maintain order, setting at least three police vehicles on fire and throwing stones, leaving several officers injured. Police teams were forced to retreat temporarily to prevent further destruction before regrouping with reinforcements.
Outbreak of Protests and Highway Blockade
The unrest began late night following claims circulating on social media and among hostel residents that a female student residing in the GH-3 hostel had been sexually assaulted on campus. By early Sunday morning, thousands of students had gathered near the main gate, causing damage to campus property and spilling onto the Jalandhar–Phagwara stretch of National Highway-44. Traffic along the key highway route was halted for several hours as students demanded immediate accountability and direct assurances from top university officials.
Police File FIR, Constitute SIT
In response to the growing agitation and statements recorded from protesting students, the Punjab Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) containing rape charges against unknown persons. Senior officials confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to conduct a thorough probe into the allegations.
“We recorded student statements regarding the alleged incident involving a female student who has since returned home, and an FIR has been registered,” stated Deputy Inspector General of Police (Jalandhar Range) Naveen Singla. “A Special Investigation Team will systematically examine all digital, physical, and technical evidence.”
University Administration Rejects Allegations
Lovely Professional University has strongly denied the claims, describing the incident as an unverified rumor amplified by “anti-social elements” to disrupt campus peace.
LPU Registrar Monica Gulati issued a public statement clarifying that the university found no truth in the allegations. The university also released a video statement featuring residents of the hostel room in question, who confirmed that no such incident had occurred. University authorities urged students, parents, and the public to refrain from circulating unverified rumors on social media and to rely solely on official communications.
Heavy Security Deployed
With the situation remaining volatile, heavy police security from neighboring districts has been deployed across the campus perimeter and surrounding highway stretches. Authorities are currently conducting damage assessments while attempting to restore calm and engage in talks with student representatives.
