LPU suspends classes and postpones exams after protests over rape allegation

Lovely Professional University in Punjab’s Phagwara has suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations after violent protests over an allegation that a female student was raped by an outsider. The suspension begins on Monday, September 28. The university said a revised examination schedule would be issued through its University Management System and advised students to remain calm and follow official instructions.

Students may travel home in consultation with parents or guardians. Those staying on campus were told to remain inside hostels or residences, avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from unrest-related activities. The protests began near Girls’ Hostel-3 around 1am on Sunday after students alleged that a plumber had raped a student three days earlier.

They also claimed the hostel warden had been informed but that no action was taken. Students later blocked National Highway-44. Police said the situation escalated when officers attempted to clear the road, with protesters allegedly throwing bottles and later pelting police vehicles with stones.

Two police vehicles were set on fire and four or five were damaged, while several officers were injured, according to police. An FIR has been registered against an unknown person, and a special investigation team will examine forensic evidence, CCTV footage and call records. Police said the alleged victim had returned home after students believed no action had been taken.

LPU has denied that a rape occurred, calling the allegations rumours and “false, baseless and fabricated”. Registrar Monica Gulati said the university would cooperate with the investigation. The university’s suspension and examination decision will remain in place while authorities investigate the allegations and the unrest.