LPU Suspends Classes For 10 Days After Violent Protests, CM Bhagwant Mann Vows Strict Action

Lovely Professional University has suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed its mid-term examinations following violent protests over allegations that a female student was sexually assaulted by an outsider. Students have been allowed to return to their hometowns in consultation with parents or guardians, while those staying on campus have been advised to remain inside their hostels or residences. The university said the measures were taken to ensure student safety and well-being.

The campus remained under heavy police deployment on Monday, with more than 2,000 personnel stationed around the university and security forces positioned at its gates. Police said the situation had remained peaceful after the violence on Sunday and traffic on NH-44, which had been blocked for more than 15 hours, was restored. Students from outside Punjab were among those leaving the campus following the suspension of classes.

The unrest began after reports circulated among students alleging that a female student had been sexually assaulted at a girls' hostel by an outsider. Students protested through the night and later blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara highway, with the demonstrations escalating into clashes with police. Protesters allegedly damaged campus property, pelted stones and attacked police vehicles, while several vehicles and parts of campus property were set on fire during the violence.

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Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person in connection with the sexual assault allegation and formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the matter. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, forensic material and other evidence, while police officials have said the allegation remains under investigation. Authorities are also examining a separate case involving the death by suicide of a female student from Telangana about two weeks earlier, after students raised the issue during the protests.

The university has denied that the alleged sexual assault took place on its campus, describing the claims as false and fabricated rumours. LPU Registrar Monica Gulati said certain elements were spreading unverified information and creating confusion among students. The university also released a video statement featuring three female students from the hostel room identified in the allegations, who said no such incident had occurred there. Police, however, have continued their investigation following the FIR and formation of the SIT.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed officials to take strict action against those responsible for the violence and asked Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the university and assess the situation. The DGP visited the campus on Monday as authorities worked to restore normalcy. With classes suspended, students continuing to leave for their hometowns and a large police presence maintained around the university, investigators are now focused on establishing the facts behind the sexual assault allegation and determining responsibility for the violence.

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