LPU Protests Turn Violent: Classes Suspended for 10 Days as 2,000 Police Deployed in Phagwara
PHAGWARA: Lovely Professional University has suspended regular classes for 10 days after violent LPU protests over an unverified allegation involving the sexual assault of a female student triggered clashes, vandalism and a prolonged blockade of National Highway-44. More than 2,000 police personnel have been deployed around the campus as authorities investigate the violence and examine the possible involvement of outsiders.
LPU Protests Escalate Into Overnight Violence
The unrest began after claims circulated that a female student had been sexually assaulted by an outsider on the university campus. LPU has denied the allegation, calling the claims baseless and fabricated rumours, while police have registered an FIR and begun an investigation.
The protests escalated on Sunday, September 27, with students clashing with police, damaging property and vehicles, and blocking NH-44. Traffic on the highway was disrupted for more than 15 hours before being restored.
The situation has since become calmer, but the security presence remains heavy. The latest LPU news today shows students leaving the campus after the university’s decision to suspend regular classes.
Classes Suspended And Exams Postponed
LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days beginning September 28 and postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. Students have been allowed to leave for their homes, while those remaining on campus are under increased security arrangements.
The decision was taken after the violence raised concerns about student safety. Mobile internet services around the campus were also suspended amid concerns that rumours and provocative material could further inflame tensions.
The developments have drawn attention beyond the university, following a wider pattern of student agitation over examination and institutional issues, including the recent MPSC examination protests in Maharashtra.
Punjab Police LPU Deployment Exceeds 2,000
Punjab Police has deployed more than 2,000 personnel across the university campus, with forces positioned at multiple gates and key locations.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav visited LPU on Monday after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed him to assess the situation. Yadav said police had exercised restraint during the unrest but warned that those responsible for vandalism would face action.
Police are also examining whether people from outside the university were involved in escalating the violence. Authorities have said the role of outsiders remains part of the investigation and should not be treated as an established fact.
Investigation Continues As Campus Remains Calm
Police officials said the campus was peaceful on Monday, with no fresh protests reported at that time. Students continued leaving with their belongings as the 10-day suspension took effect.
The sexual-assault allegation that triggered the protests remains under investigation, and there is no verified basis for presenting the circulating claims as an established incident. LPU has publicly rejected the allegation.
For now, the focus remains on restoring normalcy, identifying those responsible for vandalism and determining how the protests escalated into violence.
The LPU protests have therefore shifted from an immediate confrontation on campus to a police investigation involving the alleged assault claim, the violence, property damage and the possible role of outsiders.
The university’s academic schedule remains disrupted, with regular classes suspended for 10 days and mid-term examinations postponed until further notice. The heavy Punjab Police LPU deployment is expected to remain in place while authorities work to prevent further unrest.
