Punjab University Shuts Classes Amid Violent Protests

The Cliff News | 30 September 2026

Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, has suspended all classes for a period of 10 days following escalating protests and campus unrest attributed to allegations of rape. The university has also postponed midterm examinations in response to the demonstrations, which reportedly turned violent.

The decision to temporarily halt academic activities was announced on Monday, with the university urging students to consider travelling to their hometowns if they wish. For those who remain on campus, a strong advisory has been issued for students to stay within their hostels and avoid any involvement in activities related to the unrest, prioritizing their safety.

Campus Unrest Over Rape Allegations

Reports circulating on social media allege that a female student was raped on campus. Some unsubstantiated claims on these platforms also suggested that the student had committed suicide. Police have confirmed they are investigating the alleged incident, however, India Today reported that the identity of the student involved had not yet been established.

The protests gained momentum on Sunday, leading to confrontations between demonstrators and police forces. Local media outlets reported instances of vandalism within the university premises. According to these reports, protesters were involved in throwing stones, smashing windows, and setting fire to vehicles on campus, in addition to damaging police vehicles. Reports also indicated that students blocked a nearby highway.

University Denies Allegations, Cites Malicious Intent

In a firm denial, University registrar Monica Gulati stated on Sunday that the allegations of rape were untrue. The Times of India quoted Gulati as saying there was "no truth" to the claims. The university official suggested that the systematic circulation of such false and misleading information was a deliberate and concerted effort to damage the reputation and image of LPU.

Further complicating the situation, three female students residing in the same building where the alleged rape purportedly occurred appeared in a video alongside Gulati, corroborating the registrar's assertions that no such incident had taken place. However, this narrative was later challenged.

Conflicting Accounts Emerge

In a subsequent development reported by NDTV, a separate video surfaced in which the same three students claimed they had been instructed on what statements to make. This has introduced a layer of doubt and controversy regarding the university's official stance and the testimonies provided.

Broader Context of Sexual Violence Concerns

The incident at LPU occurs against a backdrop of heightened national concern regarding sexual violence in India. Just on Monday, the Supreme Court expressed its concern over a recent surge in rape cases in the national capital and surrounding districts, characterizing them as a reflection of a "failure of law enforcement."

Last week, hundreds of students had gathered in Delhi to protest and demand improved safety measures for women, following a reported incident where a teenager alleged she was raped by three men in a city park. In another disturbing incident last month, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped in a moving bus by the driver and conductor, as reported by local media.

Sexual violence remains a significant issue across India. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 80 rapes are reported to the police daily. However, activists argue that this figure significantly undercounts the actual number of incidents, as many victims choose not to report due to social stigma or coercion.