Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed strict action following protests at Lovely Professional University in Phagwara after claims of an alleged sexual assault involving a female student triggered unrest on the campus.
According to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office, Mann directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the university and personally assess the situation. The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to take strict action against those found responsible in connection with the incident and the subsequent unrest.
The controversy began after reports and social media posts circulated claims that a female student had allegedly been sexually assaulted on the university campus. Students gathered to protest and sought clarification and action from the university administration.
The allegation has not been established as a fact. Police are investigating the matter, while Lovely Professional University has denied the claims circulating on social media and described them as false, baseless and fabricated rumours. The university has also urged students and parents to rely on information released through its official channels.
The protests later escalated, with reports of damage to university property and clashes involving police. Demonstrators also blocked the Jalandhar Phagwara National Highway, causing disruption to traffic. Police subsequently increased security around the university campus.
Authorities have registered an FIR in connection with the allegation. According to reports, the case was registered based on a statement provided by a student, while the identity of an alleged accused has not been established. A Special Investigation Team has also been formed to examine the allegation and determine the facts.
The SIT is expected to examine available evidence as part of the investigation. Police have also indicated that CCTV footage and other material will be examined to establish what happened. The investigation is continuing and the authorities have not yet confirmed the allegations circulating on social media.
Following the unrest, a large police deployment was made around the university. More than 2,000 police personnel were reported to have been deployed in and around the campus to maintain law and order. Senior police officials also visited the university and monitored the situation.
Police officials said the situation had returned to normal by Monday morning. Students were seen leaving the campus after the university announced the temporary suspension of regular classes. Police maintained a presence at the gates and other sensitive locations around the university to prevent further disturbances.
Lovely Professional University subsequently announced that regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days beginning September 28. The university also postponed its mid term examinations until further notice.
Students who wished to return to their hometowns were advised to do so after consulting their parents or guardians. Students remaining on campus were advised to stay in their hostels or places of residence, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official instructions.
The university’s decision came after a period of unrest during which protesters reportedly damaged property and blocked the highway outside the campus. The university has maintained that the allegations circulating on social media are unverified and has appealed for calm.
The Punjab government has meanwhile asked the police to assess the situation and take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation. The direction to the DGP to personally visit the campus reflects the state government’s response to the unrest and the concerns raised by students.
The controversy has also highlighted concerns over the spread of unverified information on social media during sensitive incidents. Reports published by several news organisations noted that claims surrounding the alleged incident circulated rapidly before investigators had established the facts. Authorities have therefore urged people to rely on verified information while the investigation continues.
The police investigation is expected to determine whether the alleged sexual assault occurred, identify any person responsible if the allegation is substantiated and establish the circumstances surrounding the reports. Until the investigation is completed, the allegations remain subject to verification.
The incident has also prompted questions about campus security and the handling of student grievances. Students had gathered seeking answers from the university administration, while the university has said that misinformation contributed to the unrest.
The immediate focus of the authorities is now on maintaining peace on the campus, protecting students and staff, investigating the allegation and assessing the damage caused during the protests.
The Punjab government’s latest direction comes as LPU remains under increased security. With regular classes suspended for 10 days and examinations postponed, the university has temporarily shifted its academic schedule while the police investigation continues.
Officials have said that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. The authorities have also appealed to students and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified claims while the matter is being examined through the legal process.
