28 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, witnessed violent protests after allegations circulated among students that a female student had been sexually assaulted on the university campus. The protests escalated into vandalism, arson, stone-pelting and a highway blockade, prompting Punjab Police to register an FIR and constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations.
Police and university authorities have urged students and the public not to rely on unverified claims circulating on social media. The university has denied the allegations, while police said the investigation is continuing and that no evidence substantiating the alleged incident had been found so far.
How the LPU Protest Began
The unrest reportedly began after messages and videos circulated among students claiming that a female student staying in a girls’ hostel had been raped by an outsider or worker.
Students alleged that the incident had taken place around September 23 or 24 and accused the university administration of failing to take appropriate action. The accounts circulating among protesters varied, with different claims identifying the alleged accused as a plumber, painter or construction worker.
Police have stressed that these claims are being investigated and have not been established as facts.
FIR Registered Against Unknown Person
Following complaints from students, police registered an FIR at Satnampura police station against an unknown person under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to rape.
The FIR was registered on the basis of a statement provided by a protesting student. No specific accused person has been named in the FIR at this stage.
Police said the purpose of the investigation is to establish whether the alleged incident occurred and, if so, identify those responsible.
SIT Formed to Investigate Allegations
A Special Investigation Team has been constituted by the Punjab Police to examine the allegations.
The SIT includes senior police officials from Phagwara and the surrounding area, along with a woman police inspector and student representatives. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the hostel and other available evidence.
Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said police were conducting an intensive investigation and that footage and other evidence were being examined.
Police Say No Evidence Found So Far
As of the latest reports, police said they had not found evidence substantiating the alleged rape claim.
Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said the investigation was continuing and appealed to students to cooperate with authorities.
Police are reportedly examining CCTV footage and other material to determine what happened inside and around the hostel.
LPU Denies Allegations
LPU has strongly rejected the claims, describing them as false, baseless and fabricated rumours.
The university said certain elements were spreading misinformation through social media and other channels, creating confusion among students and damaging the institution’s reputation.
LPU officials said they were cooperating with the police investigation and had nothing to hide.
Students Demand Accountability
Protesting students, however, said they were dissatisfied with the initial handling of the matter.
Their demands reportedly included greater security in the girls’ hostel, accountability from the university administration and action if the allegations were proved.
Some students also questioned how an outside worker could allegedly gain access to a girls’ hostel area despite security arrangements on campus.
Protests Escalate Into Violence
The protests later turned violent.
Students damaged university property, broke window panes, vandalised parts of the campus and targeted administrative buildings. Some vehicles and other property were also damaged or set on fire.
Videos circulating from the campus showed protesters climbing onto a MiG-23 fighter aircraft and a military tank displayed on university premises.
Police Vehicles Damaged, Stone-Pelting Reported
The situation deteriorated further on Sunday evening when protesters allegedly pelted stones at police personnel.
Several police vehicles were damaged, while a police jeep was reportedly set on fire. More than a dozen people, including police personnel, were reported injured in the clashes.
Police said additional forces were deployed to bring the situation under control.
Jalandhar-Phagwara Highway Blocked
Protesters also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway, disrupting traffic in the region.
The blockade caused difficulties for commuters and affected traffic movement toward parts of Punjab as well as neighbouring states.
Police eventually intervened to clear the highway, with officials saying force was used to restore movement after negotiations with protesters failed.
Separate Suicide Case Also Under Investigation
During discussions with police, some students also raised concerns about the death of a female student from Telangana who reportedly died by suicide around two weeks earlier.
DIG Singla said the student’s parents had approached police and her mobile phone had been sent for forensic examination. Authorities said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation.
Police have not established a connection between this death and the current rape allegations.
LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days
Amid the continuing unrest, LPU announced that regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days from September 28.
The university also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. Students were advised to return to their hometowns in consultation with their parents if they wished to do so.
Those remaining on campus were advised to stay inside their hostels or residences and avoid unnecessary movement.
Investigation Remains Crucial
The case remains under investigation, and the central allegation has not been independently established.
The police probe will determine whether a sexual assault occurred, whether the claims were based on misinformation, and whether anyone should face criminal charges. Authorities are also investigating the violence, vandalism and possible involvement of outsiders in the campus unrest.
For now, both the allegation and the university’s denial remain part of an ongoing investigation, with police evidence expected to determine what actually happened.