Internet services were reportedly suspended around Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara as violent student protests over an unverified sexual-assault claim spiralled into vandalism, arson and a prolonged highway blockade. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered strict action and directed DGP Gaurav Yadav to visit the campus, while police have begun a formal investigation into the allegations.
How the LPU Protest Escalated
The unrest began after claims circulated on social media that a female student had allegedly been sexually assaulted on campus, reportedly by an outsider, and subsequently died by suicide. The allegation was not initially supported by a confirmed police complaint. LPU rejected the claim as false, baseless and fabricated, while students questioned whether the university had responded adequately to their concerns.
The situation deteriorated rapidly over the weekend. Students gathered near the campus and later blocked NH-44, an important Delhi-Amritsar route. According to police accounts, protesters pelted stones and attacked vehicles, while two police vehicles were set on fire and several personnel were injured. Police attempted to clear the highway as tensions intensified.
Police Mobilisation and Investigation
The scale of the confrontation prompted a major security response, with more than 2,000 police personnel deployed around the university. Senior officers subsequently said the situation had been brought under control, while traffic movement on NH-44 was restored.
Crucially, the police response has moved beyond simply dismissing the circulating claims. Authorities have registered a rape case against an unknown person and constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). An FIR, however, is the beginning of an investigation and does not by itself establish that the alleged offence occurred.
The investigation will therefore have to establish:
· Whether the alleged assault actually occurred.
· Whether there was a victim corresponding to the claims circulating online.
· Whether any death or suicide was connected to the allegation.
· Whether misinformation contributed to the escalation.
· Who was responsible for vandalism, arson and attacks on police personnel.
University Shuts Classes, Postpones Exams
LPU has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. Students have been allowed to return home in consultation with parents or guardians, while those remaining on campus have been advised to stay inside their residences and avoid involvement in unrest.
The disruption has consequently moved beyond law and order, affecting the academic calendar and raising wider questions about communication, student safety and institutional credibility.
The Trust Deficit Behind the Unrest
The central challenge is now to separate verified facts from rapidly spreading social-media claims. LPU's denial is significant, but so are students' concerns; neither side can replace an independent investigation with assertions. The credibility of the inquiry will depend on evidence, witness statements, digital records, hostel access information and transparent communication.
Facts, Not Rumours, Must Restore Confidence
The immediate priority is a time-bound and impartial investigation, alongside regular factual briefings to students and families. The alleged assault must neither be treated as established fact nor dismissed without investigation. At the same time, violence, arson, property destruction and attacks on police must be addressed through due legal process. Only a credible determination of facts, followed by accountability wherever evidence establishes wrongdoing, can begin rebuilding trust at LPU.
(With agency inputs)
