LPU Protest Over Rape Rumour Turns Tense, Students Clash With Police After Highway Blockade

Phagwada/Jalandhar: The protest that started on Saturday over the rumour of rape of a student at Lovely Professional University (LPU) continued on Sunday as well. The protesting students now blocked the National Highway, after which the situation became tense. Students protesting outside the university also clashed with the police. During this period, it has come to light that some police vehicles were damaged and three vehicles were set on fire.

Why did the protests start in LPU?

After the rumour of rape of a student spread, LPU students started protesting from Saturday. During the protest, students blocked the National Highway on Sunday. After this the dispute increased between the police and the protesting students.

According to Jalandhar SSP Harvinder Singh Virk, policemen were injured during the protest and police vehicles were also damaged. He said the students pelted stones at policemen and set three vehicles on fire.

What happened between the police and the students?

During the demonstration on the highway, the police talked to student representatives and LPU management. However, the talks remained inconclusive and the students' protest continued. According to the police, a copy of the FIR and information related to the SIT in the case has been shared with the student representatives.

According to the information, some students are now refusing to even listen to their representatives and are adamant about continuing the protest.

What decision did LPU take for the students?

Amid the controversy, LPU has announced suspension of regular classes for the next 10 days from 28 September 2026. The university has also postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. The revised schedule of examinations will be released separately through UMS.

The university has also given the students the option to go to their parents for 10 days. At the same time, students who are staying in hostels have been advised to stay in the hostel only and not go out unnecessarily.

What did the students accuse the outsiders of?

According to a protesting student, initially when only university students were protesting, the situation was under control. Later some outsiders reached there and allegedly vandalised it.
The student claims that outsiders are responsible for damaging the university property. Protesting students say they want accountability and clear information in the case

What did the Dean say about the investigation?

Student wing dean Saurabh Lakhanpal said that the university is ready to investigate the matter at every level. He also talked about including student representatives in the investigation.
According to the dean, the university is ready to show CCTV footage to the students and involve them in the entire investigation process. He clarified that the rumours that have surfaced in the case related to the student will also be investigated.

What did the university say about the rumours?

LPU Registrar Dr Monica Gulati has termed the rumours spreading on social media and other mediums as false, baseless and fabricated. He says that it has come to the notice of the university that some anti-social elements are allegedly spreading misinformation through social media and other mediums. The university has appealed to the people not to believe in such rumours and to verify any information before sharing it.