Punjab Newsline | Phagwara
Authorities have suspended internet services at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara until further orders and ordered the closure of the campus for 10 days following large-scale student protests triggered by a viral social media message alleging that a female student had been raped inside a hostel.
The Punjab government took the step to prevent the spread of provocative content that could further inflame tensions. The university, founded by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, also cancelled all mid-term examinations in the wake of the unrest.
Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) said police used “minimum force” while attempting to control the situation and made repeated efforts to resolve the matter through dialogue with students. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the allegations and related incidents.
The university has advised students who wish to return home to do so with their parents or guardians. Those choosing to remain on campus have been asked not to leave their hostels unnecessarily and to step out only for essential purposes.
The unrest began late Saturday night after a message circulated widely on social media claiming that an outsider had entered a girls’ hostel and raped a student. The message quickly spread across campus, prompting students to gather outside hostels and stage protests against the university administration and security arrangements.
Students alleged that inadequate security measures had allowed outsiders to enter the campus. As tensions escalated, some protesters reportedly damaged university property and set fire to certain areas. The agitation later moved towards the university’s main gate, where further vandalism was reported.
The protest then spilled onto the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway, with students staging a sit-in that caused massive traffic disruptions. The highway remained blocked for nearly 18 hours before being reopened around midnight on Sunday.
Police officials said they had initially convinced students to clear the road, but protesters returned early Sunday morning and resumed the blockade. Students insisted on the registration of an FIR in connection with the alleged rape and suicide claims before agreeing to end the protest.
Senior police officers, including DIG Naveen Singla, held multiple rounds of discussions with student representatives and assured them that a thorough investigation would be conducted. Following the talks, police registered an FIR and announced the formation of an SIT that includes five student representatives.
DIG Singla said investigators have so far not found any victim or concrete evidence supporting claims of rape or suicide. However, he stressed that the investigation would continue and that all available evidence, including CCTV footage from the past four to five days, is being examined.
During the unrest, police used lathi-charge and tear gas shells to disperse protesters after clashes intensified. Some students allegedly set police vehicles on fire and pelted stones at security personnel. Reports also emerged of looting at a nearby mall and attempts by unidentified individuals to enter a girls’ hostel during the chaos.
Police said the situation is now under control and adequate security personnel have been deployed across the campus. Authorities are also examining five additional dema
