Punjab CM Directs DGP to Visit LPU as Campus Unrest Over Alleged Assault Turns Violent

Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed at LPU as authorities investigate the alleged incident that sparked campus unrest

PGurus Newsdesk

September 28, 2026

Punjab CM orders strict action as unrest grips Lovely Professional University

University suspends classes for ten days and postpones mid-term exams as students block NH-44

Internet services were suspended at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab and classes were shut for ten days after student protests over an alleged sexual assault turned violent, prompting a heavy police deployment and a directive from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for strict action against those responsible.

The Punjab Chief Minister’s Office said Mann has ordered strict action against the culprits and directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the spot personally and assess the situation.

How the unrest began

The protest began near Girls’ Hostel-3 at around 1 am on Sunday, after students alleged that a female student had been raped by a plumber three days earlier. The unrest followed reports circulating on social media, which students said pointed to an assault inside a hostel room. Protests soon escalated into vandalism and clashes with police, with students also blocking National Highway-44. Police used lathi charge during the unrest, and reports also mention arson on the campus.

Lockdown and closures

In response, authorities imposed what has been described as a complete lockdown on the campus. More than 2,000 police personnel were deployed, internet services were suspended, and Punjab Police conducted a flag march to reassure students and families. The university suspended regular classes for ten days, citing student safety and well-being, and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. Students were advised to follow the University Management System for updates.

Situation now calm; facts still unconfirmed

Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Harinder Gill said the campus has been peaceful since Sunday night, with no protests underway and large-scale police deployment at all gates. He said students have been leaving the campus since the university suspended classes. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said the situation had been brought under control and that traffic on NH-44 would soon be restored, while another senior police official urged families to note that students were safe and there was no cause for concern.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the alleged assault took place, and the identity of the accused has not been established. An FIR has been registered against multiple unknown persons, and police said an investigation is underway to ascertain the facts.

Video controversy

The university’s response drew further scrutiny after a video released by the institution featured students who later claimed that their statements were scripted. The University has denied claims tied to the reports circulating on social media, and the matter remains under investigation.

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