LPU protest turns violent after sexual assault allegation, police form SIT

Fresh updates from the financial markets indicate that A protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Phagwara escalated into violence on Sunday after allegations of sexual assault involving a female student circulated on social media, triggering unrest on the campus and a road blockade on the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway.

Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person based on a student's statement and constituted a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations. The university, that stated, has denied the claims and stated the information being circulated online was false and fabricated.

The protests began around 1 am near the girls' hostel after students began sharing allegations concerning a female student staying in the G3 hostel. According to claims made by students, the alleged incident took place around September 24 and the student later returned home. Some protesters additionally alleged that hostel authorities had been informed but failed to act. These allegations have not been independently established.

As the notes spread, more students gathered near the hostel before the protest moved towards the university's main entrance. The situation subsequently turned violent, with videos from the campus showing broken window panes and damaged flower pots. Some parts of the premises and objects were additionally noted on fire. 🚨 LPU LIVE UPDATE | 6 PM

Lovely Professional University में छात्रा से रेप की अफवाह के बाद शुरू हुआ बवाल अभी थमता नहीं दिख रहा।

SIT जांच और FIR दर्ज होने के बावजूद छात्रों का प्रदर्शन जारी है। प्रदर्शनकारियों ने नेशनल हाईवे जाम कर दिया है। पुलिस प्रशासन और छात्र प्रतिनिधियों की… https://t.co/b9l1vlshoJ pic.twitter.com/7P1nmkCJSL

— CA Anurag (@CAAnurag_) September 27, 2026

The unrest later spilled outside the university as students blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway, leading to significant disruption. Police personnel from neighbouring districts were brought in and the highway was eventually cleared.

Along with the allegations concerning the female student, protesters boosted broader concerns around the functioning of the university and the way student grievances were being handled.

The police investigation is focused on establishing what happened to the student named in the allegations. Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla stated a statement from students had been recorded and a case had been registered against an unknown person.

Absolute ruckus has broken out at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Punjab.

Notes of an alleged sexual assault at Girls’ Hostel 3 reportedly sparked a peaceful student protest at night, which later escalated into unrest and vandalism.

The allegations stay unverified. pic.twitter.com/Ky3IaEjXfP

— कृष𝐍𝐚! (@kasteleditor) September 26, 2026

Investigators are anticipated to examine forensic evidence, CCTV footage and phone records as part of the probe.

The identity of the alleged survivor and the person accused in the case has not been made public. The circumstances surrounding the alleged incident stay under investigation, while LPU has maintained that the claims circulating online are false.