Jalandhar:
A protest erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, after students gathered on campus following reports alleging that a female student had been sexually assaulted by an outsider.

The allegations have not been independently verified. Police said an investigation is underway, while LPU authorities have rejected the claims circulating on social media and said there was no truth in the rumours.

The protest produced dramatic scenes on campus, with videos showing students climbing onto an Indian Air Force MiG-23UM aircraft and a military tank displayed on the university premises. Footage also showed large groups of students raising slogans.

Other videos appeared to show broken window panes, damaged flower pots and parts of a university building on fire. Some shops on the campus were also reportedly vandalised.

Protest Begins Near Girls’ Hostel

According to police, the unrest began near the university’s girls’ hostel at around 1 am on Sunday.

Students alleged that a female student staying in the hostel had been sexually assaulted on September 24. They claimed the alleged incident involved a plumber or construction worker and that the hostel warden had been informed.

Kapurthala Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora said students had gathered after rumours began circulating and that police had spoken with students who also raised concerns about the university administration.

He said the situation was under control and that authorities were working to address the students’ concerns.

Police Register Case

Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla later said police had received the student’s statement and registered a case.

According to Singla, the FIR was initially registered against an unknown person because the identity of the alleged accused had not yet been established.

Police said the investigation would include forensic examination, CCTV analysis and phone-related evidence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Phagwara Superintendent of Police Major Singh, was formed to investigate the allegations.

Jalandhar-Phagwara Highway Blocked

The protests also affected traffic after students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara section of the national highway.

Police diverted vehicles travelling towards Jalandhar through the Phagwara-Jandiala route, while other traffic was directed through alternative roads.

Police personnel from across the Jalandhar Range were deployed as the situation developed.

Students Raise Additional Demands

Police said students had several demands in addition to their concerns about the alleged assault.

One demand reportedly involved having female staff members in all girls’ hostels. Police officials said representatives of the students would meet with the university administration to discuss the issues.

LPU Denies Allegations

LPU Registrar Monica Gulati said in a statement that there was “no truth in the rumours currently being circulated.”

The university said it had received information that what it described as “anti-social elements” were spreading false and fabricated claims through social media and other channels.

LPU appealed to students, parents and the public not to circulate unverified information and urged them to rely on official communications while the situation develops.

---

Version 2

Protests at Lovely Professional University After Sexual Assault Allegations; Police Form SIT

Jalandhar:
Tensions escalated at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara after hundreds of students gathered on campus following reports of an alleged sexual assault involving a female student.

Police have begun investigating the allegations, which have not been independently established. University officials, meanwhile, have denied the claims being circulated and described them as false and baseless.

Videos recorded during the protests showed students climbing onto a MiG-23UM aircraft and a military tank displayed on the university campus. Other footage showed students gathering in large numbers and chanting slogans.

Visuals from the campus also appeared to show broken windows, damaged flower pots and fire in parts of a university building. Some campus shops were reportedly vandalised during the unrest.

How the Protests Started

Police said the disturbance began near the university’s girls’ hostel at approximately 1 am Sunday.

According to students, a female student living in the hostel was allegedly assaulted on September 24. Students claimed the alleged incident involved a plumber or construction worker and said the hostel warden had been informed.

Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police reached the campus after students gathered following rumours. He said officers listened to students who raised concerns involving the LPU administration and were working to resolve their grievances.

Case Registered and Investigation Underway

Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said police subsequently received the student’s statement and registered a case.

Because the identity of the alleged accused had not initially been established, the FIR was registered against an unknown person, according to the police.

Investigators said they would examine forensic evidence, CCTV footage and phone records as part of the probe. A Special Investigation Team has also been constituted, with Phagwara SP Major Singh appointed to lead the investigation.

Police said the investigation would also involve discussions with student representatives.

Traffic Disrupted on National Highway

The protests spilled onto the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, where students blocked traffic and caused significant disruption.

Authorities diverted vehicles towards Jalandhar through the Phagwara-Jandiala road and used other arterial routes to manage traffic.

Police forces from across the Jalandhar Range were deployed at the university as the situation unfolded.

Students Seek Changes in Hostel Management

The alleged assault was not the only issue raised by students. Police said students had several additional demands, including a request that girls’ hostels be staffed entirely by female employees.

Officials said these demands would be discussed with university management and student representatives.

University Calls Reports Untrue

LPU Registrar Monica Gulati rejected the allegations circulating online, stating that there was no truth in the rumours.

The university said it had been informed that “anti-social elements” were circulating what it described as false, baseless and fabricated information through social media and other channels.

The university urged students, parents and members of the public to avoid sharing or amplifying unverified claims and advised them to follow official communications for updates.