Kumar Bahukhandi
Students stage a protest at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, amid unrest over allegations of a sexual assault on campus. The university subsequently suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations-Photo:ANI
University allows students to return home as police investigate alleged sexual assault; SIT formed after FIR
Key Highlights
- Regular classes suspended for 10 days from September 28
- Mid-term examinations postponed until further notice
- Police register an FIR and constitute an SIT to investigate the alleged sexual assault
- More than 2,000 police personnel deployed amid unrest
- University disputes allegations circulating about the incident
- Punjab Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka blames both the Centre and Punjab government for the unrest
Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara has suspended regular classes for 10 days from Monday, September 28, and postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice after student protests over an alleged sexual assault on campus turned violent
The university said the decision had been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of students. A revised schedule for the mid-term examinations will be communicated separately through the University Management System (UMS).
Students have been permitted to travel to their hometowns during the 10-day suspension after consulting their parents or guardians. Those remaining on campus have been advised to stay in their hostels or places of residence, avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from activities connected with the unrest.
Police Form SIT as University Disputes Allegations
The unrest erupted after claims circulated among students and on social media that a female student had been sexually assaulted on the university premises. The university has disputed the allegations, describing claims circulating about the incident as false and fabricated. Police, however, have registered a case and formed a Special Investigation Team to establish the facts.
The protests escalated on Sunday, with incidents of vandalism, stone-pelting and a blockade of the national highway reported. A large police contingent entered the campus as authorities attempted to restore order. Additional Director General of Police M.F. Farooqui said more than 2,000 personnel had been deployed to maintain security.
Police subsequently said law and order had been restored and sought to reassure families that students were safe.
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka accused both the Union government and the Punjab government of responsibility for the unrest.
“I believe both the Central government and the Punjab government have failed; it is their responsibility to intervene immediately. I directly hold both the Centre and the Punjab government responsible for inciting these riots,” Verka said. His statement represents the Congress leader’s political allegation; authorities have not established that either government incited the violence.
The university has appealed to students to remain calm, follow official instructions and monitor UMS for further information regarding classes and examinations
