Turmoil at LPU: Classes Halted Amidst Rape Allegations and Fiery Protests

The typically bustling campus of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, has found itself caught in a storm of unrest, leading to an abrupt halt in academic activities. On September 28, 2026, the university administration made the significant decision to suspend all regular classes for a full ten days, pushing back mid-term examinations in a move aimed, they say, at ensuring the safety and peace of mind for everyone on campus. It's a situation that has undeniably left students and faculty grappling with a deep sense of unease.

So, what exactly triggered this dramatic turn of events? Well, it all spiraled from deeply troubling allegations concerning the alleged rape of a female student by an outsider. This single claim ignited a furious reaction across the LPU community, sparking massive, and at times, intensely violent protests. Imagine the scene: students, driven by a potent mix of fear, anger, and a demand for justice, reportedly engaged in widespread vandalism, hurled stones, and even set fires, creating a truly chaotic environment within the university grounds.

The intensity of the demonstrations wasn't confined to the campus walls. Protesters also took their grievances to National Highway-44, the vital artery connecting New Delhi with Amritsar, blocking it for a staggering fifteen hours or more. This, naturally, led to severe disruptions and an inevitable clash with law enforcement. Police personnel, including a substantial force of 2,000, eventually moved in, conducting a flag march to restore order and reopen the crucial highway. It was no easy task, as several officers sustained injuries, and police vehicles were reportedly damaged, some even set ablaze, painting a stark picture of the confrontation's severity.

In response to the gravity of the allegations, police officials, including Additional Director General of Police M F Farooqui, Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh, Deputy Inspector General Naveen Singla, and Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora, acted swiftly. A case of rape was formally registered against an unidentified individual, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been assembled to thoroughly probe the matter. This commitment to investigation underscores the seriousness with which these claims are being treated by law enforcement.

However, the narrative isn't quite so straightforward. Interestingly, while the police are actively investigating, LPU's Registrar, Dr. Monica Gulati, issued a statement vehemently refuting the allegations. The university has dismissed these claims as "false and fabricated news and rumours," suggesting they were deliberately spread by "anti-social elements" in a concerted effort to tarnish LPU's reputation. It’s a significant counter-claim, adding a layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. Moreover, one source even indicates that an internal investigation by the university found no evidence of rape, raising further questions about the motivations behind the protests.

As the dust settles, or perhaps, continues to swirl, the situation remains fraught with uncertainty. The Punjab Congress chief, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, has weighed in, taking the opportunity to criticize the ruling AAP government over its handling of the crisis. It’s clear that beyond the immediate campus, the incident has resonated politically, highlighting the broader societal concerns at play. For now, students await clarity, the police press on with their investigation, and LPU stands firm in its denial, leaving everyone to ponder the true events that unfolded.