What Triggered the LPU Violence? Everything To Know About the Campus Protests, Rape Allegations & Police Clashes
Tensions at LPU sparked over unverified social media allegations of s*xual assault, leading to campus protests, highway blockades, and police intervention. While the university denied the rumors, an FIR was filed and an SIT formed, prompting CM Bhagwant Mann to order strict action as classes were suspended and students headed home.
Tensions escalated sharply at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab on Saturday, September 26, after unverified social media allegations regarding an alleged rape inside a campus hostel sparked massive student protests, highway blockades, and clashes with law enforcement. The demonstrations, which began late Saturday night, led to widespread property damage on campus and severe traffic disruptions along National Highway-44 before authorities intervened to restore order.
What Triggered the Protests at Lovely Professional University?
The agitation erupted around 1:00 AM near the university's Girls' Hostel-3 following rumors and student claims that a female resident had been s*xually assaulted by an outsider. LPU Protest: ‘Rape and Suicide’ Rumours Spark Campus Vandalism and Highway Blockade (Videos).
LPU Protest Video Surfaces
पंजाब –
BJP के राज्यसभा सांसद अशोक मित्तल की लवली प्रोफेशनल यूनिवर्सिटी में छात्रों का बवाल पूरी रात चला !!
एक छात्रा से रेप की सूचना कुछ व्हाट्स एप ग्रुप में वायरल हुई और छात्र भड़क गए। कल रात से अब तक हंगामा जारी है। https://t.co/brdu8XFcJr pic.twitter.com/nuigtz35AZ
— Sachin Gupta (@Sachingupta) September 27, 2026
Students Protesting Outside Lovely Professional University Clash With Police
#WATCH | Phagwara, Punjab: Students protesting outside Lovely Professional University clashed with police and set vehicles on fire.
As per Dean of LPU Sorabh Lakhanpal, "When the students brought this matter to our attention, we decided it needed to be treated seriously.… pic.twitter.com/S1A31nkbZk
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026
Students Hold Protest Lovely Professional University
#WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: Students hold protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor of LPU, says, "The police registered an FIR based on the students' allegations. All necessary support will be provided. Five students have been… https://t.co/IEWXNrr3Rz pic.twitter.com/EJlAYzYRvs
— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026
Protesting students alleged that the incident involved a plumber and claimed that university authorities failed to act promptly after being informed. The situation quickly snowballed as word spread across social media platforms, drawing hundreds of students into overnight demonstrations.
University Stance and Police Response
Lovely Professional University management vehemently denied the allegations, calling them completely false, baseless, and fabricated rumors propagated by anti-social elements to malign the institution's reputation. The university also shared statements from hostel residents refuting the claims. Despite the university's denial, the Kapurthala police registered a First Information Report (FIR) containing rape charges against unknown persons based on student testimonies. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to thoroughly probe the matter. Furthermore, officials noted that the student at the center of the claims had already returned home.
Escalation, Highway Blockade, and Clashes
The demonstration turned violent on Sunday, September 27, as protesters moved outside the campus boundaries, blocking a major stretch of the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway-44 and causing massive traffic jams. Videos from the scene showed protesters clashing with police personnel, pelting stones, and damaging official vehicles. Law enforcement responded with a mild lathi-charge and deployed heavy reinforcements from neighboring districts to control the volatile situation.
Students Return Home After LPU Suspends Regular Classes for 10 Days
#WATCH | Phagwara, Punjab | Students leave for home as Lovely Professional University (LPU) suspends regular classes for 10 days from 28th September and postpones Mid-Term Examinations, following a protest by students that turned violent
Early morning visuals from outside the… pic.twitter.com/sTsT6qe739
— ANI (@ANI) September 28, 2026
Holidays Declared and Students Return Home
In the wake of the mounting unrest and security concerns, university authorities declared a temporary holiday. According to news agency ANI, LPU has suspended regular classes for 10 days from today, September 28 and also postponed Mid-Term Examinations, following a protest by students that turned violent. With classes paused and the campus environment remaining tense, a large number of students have begun packing their belongings and returning to their hometowns as police and administration work to bring complete stability to the area. The university has advised students wishing to travel to their hometowns to do so in consultation with their parents or guardians. They have also appealed to students to remain calm, follow official instructions and avoid unnecessary movement or involvement in unrest-related activities. Chitkara University: ‘Ghost’ Rumours and 'Missing Students' Claim Sparks Campus Protest and Vandalisation.
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has ordered strict action against the culprits in connection with the alleged rape incident at Lovely Professional University. He has directed Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav to visit the site and take stock of the situation. According to the Punjab Chief Minister's Office, Mann has taken a tough stance on the LPU matter and instructed the DGP to personally assess the situation at the university.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2026 10:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
