LPU Violence: Explosions Heard, 3 Police SUVs Torched Amid Protests In Punjab

Violence escalated at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, on Sunday as protests over an alleged rape and suicide case turned increasingly tense, with explosions heard on campus and several police personnel injured.

A mob allegedly set three police SUVs on fire, while glass bottles were hurled at police personnel outside the university. Police resorted to a lathicharge as tensions mounted.

Academic buildings inside the LPU campus were also reportedly set on fire, making it difficult for police personnel to enter the premises.

How LPU Protests Turned Violent

Protests began at LPU on Saturday following reports of an alleged rape and suicide case. Students damaged property, smashed window panes and set parts of buildings on fire.

Protesting students also blocked the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway outside the university at around 4am, demanding registration of an FIR against the alleged accused.

The protests came a day after similar demonstrations were reported at Chitkara University in Patiala.

LPU, however, had earlier rejected the rape-suicide claims and accused “anti-social elements” of creating “unnecessary confusion among students”.

FIR Registered In Alleged Rape Case

An FIR was registered in the case on Sunday.

DIG Jalandhar Range Naveen Singla said a preliminary investigation established that an alleged rape involving a girl student staying at LPU’s G-3 hostel had taken place three days earlier.

“The victim has left for her house following the incident,” Singla said, adding that her statement had been recorded and the case was being registered under the relevant sections.

He said digital and technical evidence would be collected and examined as part of the investigation.

Singla added that representatives of the students’ union would also be involved in the probe.

Students Raise Suicide Case

Students also raised the issue of a Telangana student who allegedly died by suicide on the university campus around two weeks ago.

Police had initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) after recording statements from the student’s family members.

“On the demands of the students, we have also initiated a probe into this matter,” Singla said.

Students also raised concerns over security and management at the boys’ and girls’ hostels. A coordinated meeting involving students and university management was scheduled for noon on Sunday.

What LPU Said

LPU Dean Sorabh Lakhanpal said the university had taken the students’ concerns seriously and allowed them to view CCTV footage and visit the room they had identified, ANI reported.

“When the students brought this matter to our attention, we decided it needed to be treated seriously,” Lakhanpal said.

He said the university had repeatedly assured students of its support and urged them to file a formal complaint.

However, Lakhanpal said the university’s subsequent assessment led it to believe that the situation was “entirely rumour-driven”.