Phagwara, Punjab: Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) on Sunday staged a violent protest on campus alleging that a female hostel resident had been raped by an outsider. The demonstration escalated into vandalism and a blockade of the Jalandhar‑Phagwara national highway, prompting police action and the registration of a rape case against an unknown person.
Police response and investigation
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, said police were alerted after students began gathering on campus in the early hours. A heavy police contingent from Kapurthala, Jalandhar Rural and Hoshiarpur was mobilised to control the situation. Authorities registered an FIR on the complaint filed by the students and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jalandhar range, Naveen Singla, who visited the site, said officials were "verifying the facts" and that student leaders and university management were scheduled to meet to address the protesters' concerns. He assured that the probe would include forensic and technical examinations and that student representatives would be associated with the investigation.
"The investigation will be conducted scientifically. Forensic and technical aspects will be examined, and student representatives will also be associated with the investigation," said DIG Naveen Singla.
What happened on campus and on the highway
According to multiple accounts and videos circulating on social media, the unrest began near the girls' hostel at around 1 a.m. Protesters were seen damaging window panes, earthen flower pots, an ATM kiosk and other property, and some objects were set on fire. A few individuals were also captured on video taking items from a grocery outlet in the university mall.
Students said the alleged incident took place about three days earlier and complained that hostel authorities had been informed but did not take action. They demanded a copy of the FIR and stated they would not lift the highway blockade until the document was produced.
The blockade on the national highway led to long queues of vehicles and stranded commuters. Traffic was diverted to the Phagwara‑Jandiala road towards Jalandhar and via arterial routes as police worked to restore order.
University response and public order
Lovely Professional University issued a statement denying the circulating claims. The university said there was "no truth in the rumours" and urged students and the public not to amplify unverified information.
Following reports of the rampage, police brought reinforcements to the campus. Officials were seen coordinating traffic diversions while the SIT commenced preliminary enquiries into the complaint lodged by the students.
Timeline at a glance
| Time/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| Around 1 a.m. | Students gather near girls' hostel and begin protest |
| Early Sunday | Vandalism on campus; objects set on fire; ATM and shops damaged |
| Morning to afternoon | Jalandhar‑Phagwara national highway blocked; traffic diverted |
| Following reports | FIR registered against unknown person; SIT formed for probe |
Impact and broader issues
The disturbance has immediate implications for campus safety and law and order in Phagwara, a major education hub in Punjab. The blockade on a national corridor disrupted commuters and freight movement, underscoring how campus unrest can spill into wider public inconvenience.
Student protesters have highlighted two recurring concerns in university towns across the state: timely response by campus authorities to complaints involving women residents, and transparent, prompt involvement of law enforcement. The promise of an SIT and forensic examination is aimed at ensuring a methodical probe, but the students' insistence on an FIR copy and stronger administrative action reflects persistent trust deficits.
What to expect next
- Authorities to conduct forensic and technical examinations as part of the SIT inquiry.
- Meetings between student representatives and LPU management to address grievances.
- Police to monitor campus and surrounding roads to prevent further disruptions.
The investigation is ongoing and police have not named any accused. Officials have appealed for calm and asked students and the public to avoid sharing unverified material that could inflame the situation further.
Coverage will continue as the SIT completes its work and authorities share further details about the FIR and any subsequent action.
