Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 following intense student protests that turned violent on the campus. The university has also postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice as authorities work to restore normalcy and investigate allegations circulating on social media. The decision came after a tense weekend at the university, where a large number of students gathered following claims involving a female student. The allegations spread rapidly on social media and triggered protests, clashes and disruption around the campus. Authorities have stressed that the allegations are still under investigation. LPU has rejected the claims as false and fabricated, while Punjab Police have registered a case and begun an investigation to establish what actually happened.

What Happened at LPU?

The unrest began after claims circulated among students and on social media alleging that a female student had been sexually assaulted and subsequently died by suicide. The allegations could not be independently established at the time the protests began. Police subsequently started investigating the claims and registered an FIR. Officials said the investigation would focus on establishing the facts rather than relying on information circulating online. The situation escalated on Sunday as protests grew larger. Reports said there was vandalism and damage to property, while clashes between students and police were also reported. Vehicles and other property were damaged during the unrest.

Why Has LPU Closed for 10 Days?

The university said the temporary suspension was announced to protect the safety and well-being of students amid the continuing unrest. According to the university's notice, regular classes have been suspended for 10 days beginning September 28, 2026. Students have also been informed that their mid-term examinations have been postponed until further notice. A revised examination schedule will be communicated separately through the University Management System. Students have been given the option of travelling to their hometowns during the 10-day period after consulting their parents or guardians. Those who remain at the university have been advised to stay inside their hostels or places of residence and avoid unnecessary movement or participation in activities linked to the unrest.

Mid-Term Exams Postponed

The suspension of classes has also affected the academic calendar. LPU has postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. The university has said students will receive information about the revised examination schedule through the UMS once a new timetable is decided. This means students should not assume that the examinations will take place according to the previously announced schedule. The university has asked students to follow official communication channels for updates instead of relying on messages circulating through social media groups.

Punjab Government Takes Notice

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit LPU and assess the situation personally. The direction came after the protests escalated and raised concerns about law and order around the university and nearby areas. The state government has asked police authorities to maintain order while ensuring that the allegations surrounding the incident are investigated on the basis of evidence. The police response is therefore focused on two parallel concerns: controlling the unrest and determining the facts behind the allegations that triggered the protests.

SIT Formed to Investigate Allegations

Punjab Police have formed a Special Investigation Team to examine the allegations. Officials have said investigators are examining available evidence, including CCTV footage from the hostel area. A police case has been registered, and the investigation is continuing. At this stage, authorities have not publicly established that the allegations circulating on social media are true. Reports also indicate that no specific accused person had been named in the initial FIR. The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events and determine whether the claims made during the protests have any factual basis.

LPU Rejects Allegations

The university has rejected the allegations that triggered the protests, describing them as false and fabricated. This is an important part of the developing story because the claims that circulated online have not been independently established. Police are investigating the matter, while the university has maintained that the allegations are not true. The situation has therefore developed into a major law-and-order and investigation issue, with authorities attempting to separate verified information from rumours and social-media claims.

National Highway-44 Blocked for More Than 15 Hours

The unrest also caused major disruption outside the university. Students blocked the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway, or NH-44, resulting in a traffic disruption that lasted for more than 15 hours. Police later managed to restore traffic movement on the important highway. The highway is a major route connecting several important cities in northern India, so the prolonged blockade affected traffic movement around Phagwara. The restoration of traffic was one of the key steps taken by authorities as they attempted to bring the situation under control.

Police Deployment Increased Around Campus

Security arrangements were strengthened around the university as tensions continued. Police officials said a large deployment was made to maintain order around the campus. Authorities also carried out a flag march as part of the security response. The increased police presence came after clashes and reports of property damage during the protests. Officials have urged students to remain calm and avoid activities that could further escalate the situation.

What Are Students Being Told?

LPU has asked students to follow official instructions and remain connected with the university for further updates. Students who stay at the campus have been advised to remain inside their hostels or places of residence and avoid unnecessary movement. The university has also encouraged students to consult their parents or guardians if they wish to travel home during the 10-day suspension. The instructions are aimed at reducing movement around areas where tensions could continue and ensuring that students do not become involved in further unrest.

Is the Alleged Incident Confirmed?

No. The allegations that triggered the protests remain under investigation. Police have registered a case and formed an SIT to establish the facts. CCTV footage and other available evidence are being examined. At the same time, LPU has denied the allegations and called them fabricated. Therefore, claims circulating on social media should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed by investigators or other reliable authorities. This distinction is particularly important because the protests were triggered by information that spread rapidly online.

Similar Unrest at Chitkara University

The police are also examining unrest that occurred at Chitkara University shortly before the LPU protests. According to officials, investigators are looking into the circumstances behind the incidents and whether there is any connection between them. Special DGP (Law and Order) Parveen Kumar Sinha said authorities were examining the reasons behind the incidents. However, a connection between the two events has not been established.

What Happens to LPU Students Now?

For the next 10 days, regular academic activity at LPU will remain suspended. Students can travel home after consulting their parents or guardians, while those remaining on campus have been advised to stay inside their residences and follow university instructions. The postponed mid-term examinations will be rescheduled later. Students will receive the revised timetable through the university's official system. The immediate priority for the university and authorities is to maintain safety and prevent further escalation while the investigation continues.

What Happens Next in the LPU Case?

The police investigation will now be crucial in determining what actually happened and whether the allegations that triggered the protests have any basis. Investigators are examining CCTV footage and other available evidence, while the SIT will continue questioning people and gathering information relevant to the case. For students and parents, the key development is the 10-day suspension of classes and postponement of examinations. For the authorities, the focus remains on maintaining law and order, restoring normalcy and establishing the facts behind the allegations. Until the investigation reaches a clear conclusion, unverified claims circulating online should be treated with caution.

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Why has LPU suspended classes?

LPU has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 following violent protests and unrest on the campus. The university said the decision was taken to ensure student safety.

Are LPU mid-term exams cancelled?

No. The mid-term examinations have been postponed until further notice, not permanently cancelled. A revised schedule will be announced separately through UMS.

What triggered the LPU protests?

The protests followed social-media claims involving an alleged sexual assault and death of a female student. Police are investigating the allegations, while LPU has denied them.

Has police confirmed the allegations?

The allegations have not been established as fact. Police have registered a case and formed an SIT to investigate the matter and examine evidence including CCTV footage.

Can LPU students go home?

Yes. LPU has said students may travel to their hometowns during the 10-day period after consulting their parents or guardians.

What should students staying on campus do?

Students staying at LPU have been advised to remain inside their hostels or places of residence, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official university instructions.

Is NH-44 open now?

Traffic on NH-44 was restored after the highway remained blocked for more than 15 hours during the protests.

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