LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days After Violent Protests Over Alleged Rape
Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, suspended regular classes for 10 days starting September 28, 2026, and postponed its midterm examinations. The university announced the decision on Monday, September 28, after violent student protests over an alleged rape on campus. Al Jazeera
The order covers regular classes only, with midterms postponed until further notice. Students may travel to their hometowns during the 10-day period after consulting parents or guardians. Those who stay were advised to remain inside hostels or residences and avoid activities linked to the unrest. Al Jazeera
The campus is now largely locked down. Protests escalated on Sunday, when demonstrators clashed with police. Protesters allegedly threw stones, smashed windows, set fire to vehicles on campus, and damaged police vehicles. Students reportedly blocked a nearby highway. Other accounts describe vandalism to parts of the campus and fire set to sections of a building. NDTV
The core facts are still contested. University registrar Monica Gulati said there was "no truth" to the claim that a rape took place on campus. Police said they are investigating the alleged incident and have not yet established the identity of the student. A rape case — a formal criminal complaint that requires police investigation — has been registered in connection with the allegation. Rediff
A separate dispute concerns the university's own messaging. Three students who appeared in a university clarification video denying the rape allegation later said they had been instructed to make those statements. Hindustan Times
The broader context here is a standoff between competing authorities rather than agreement on facts. The administration says no assault occurred. Police are treating the allegation as an open criminal investigation. Many students do not accept the administration's assurance. That three-way split helps explain why normal university rules gave way to closure.
Looking at what this means for the next phase, the 10-day pause does two things at once. It separates a tense crowd and gives investigators time. It also shifts responsibility outward, to parents and to police findings, without settling the underlying claim. Whether students return calmly will likely depend on what the investigation finds, when postponed exams are rescheduled, and whether the university can rebuild trust after the dispute over the clarification video.
In my view, the key issue is procedure, not statements. An investigation with no identified complainant leaves space for rumor. A flat denial alongside an open police case leaves space for mistrust. Until one account of what happened, or did not happen, is backed by evidence that students and staff accept, orders to stay in hostels may limit movement without restoring confidence.
