Punjab Police have arrested nine people, including seven Lovely Professional University (LPU) students and a juvenile, in connection with the violence, vandalism and arson that broke out on the university campus on September 27.&nbsp;The clashes reportedly followed a viral message about an alleged incident inside the girls' hostel. The incident triggered protests by students, who gathered in large numbers and demanded accountability, better security and action from the university authorities.<h3>Police details incident&nbsp;</h3>Addressing a press conference, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Naveen Singla, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora and Special Investigation Team (SIT) in-charge Vaneet Ahlawat, shared details of the investigation and arrests.&nbsp;Singla rejected claims that police had carried out a lathi-charge. He said police personnel initially worked with the media and students to assure them that the administration stood with them.&nbsp;According to the DIG, the situation was initially under control when police teams reached the campus, with limited damage reported. However, a section of the crowd later turned violent and began pelting stones at police and media personnel.&nbsp;The mob also vandalised property and set several vehicles on fire. Police then used minimal force to disperse the crowd and restore order.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sir-row-over-700-including-aap-leaders-activists-detained-in-delhi-cjp-protests-at-mumbai-s-shivaji-park-1790936501641">SIR row: Over 700 including AAP leaders, activists detained near Jantar Mantar; CJP protests at Mumbai's Shivaji Park</a><h3>Nine arrested, 20 accused named</h3>The violence later spread beyond the campus, with clashes and damage reported along the New Delhi-Amritsar National Highway.&nbsp;Following the unrest, the university suspended physical classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations. The local administration also temporarily suspended internet access within the area around the campus to prevent the spread of misinformation.&nbsp;Police said they traced and arrested suspects from Phagwara, Jammu and Mumbai. Verification found that seven of the accused were LPU students, while two were outsiders. Investigators have identified 20 people who were allegedly involved in the rioting and named them in the case.<h3>SIT probes alleged sexual assault claim</h3>The viral posts that triggered the protests alleged that an outsider sexually assaulted a female student inside the girls' hostel campus.&nbsp;DIG Singla said a dedicated SIT has been formed to investigate the allegation and establish the facts through an impartial and thorough probe.&nbsp;Authorities and law enforcement agencies are also tracing the origin of the digital posts and examining potential cross-border or political links behind the disruption.

Punjab Police arrested nine people and named 20 accused after violent clashes, vandalism and arson at LPU, while an SIT probes the viral sexual assault claim.

Punjab Police have arrested nine people, including seven Lovely Professional University (LPU) students and a juvenile, in connection with the violence, vandalism and arson that broke out on the university campus on September 27. The clashes reportedly followed a viral message about an alleged incident inside the girls' hostel. The incident triggered protests by students, who gathered in large numbers and demanded accountability, better security and action from the university authorities. Police details incident Addressing a press conference, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Naveen Singla, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora and Special Investigation Team (SIT) in-charge Vaneet Ahlawat, shared details of the investigation and arrests. Singla rejected claims that police had carried out a lathi-charge. He said police personnel initially worked with the media and students to assure them that the administration stood with them. According to the DIG, the situation was initially under control when police teams reached the campus, with limited damage reported. However, a section of the crowd later turned violent and began pelting stones at police and media personnel. The mob also vandalised property and set several vehicles on fire. Police then used minimal force to disperse the crowd and restore order. Also Read: SIR row: Over 700 including AAP leaders, activists detained near Jantar Mantar; CJP protests at Mumbai's Shivaji Park Nine arrested, 20 accused named The violence later spread beyond the campus, with clashes and damage reported along the New Delhi-Amritsar National Highway. Following the unrest, the university suspended physical classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations. The local administration also temporarily suspended internet access within the area around the campus to prevent the spread of misinformation. Police said they traced and arrested suspects from Phagwara, Jammu and Mumbai. Verification found that seven of the accused were LPU students, while two were outsiders. Investigators have identified 20 people who were allegedly involved in the rioting and named them in the case. SIT probes alleged sexual assault claim The viral posts that triggered the protests alleged that an outsider sexually assaulted a female student inside the girls' hostel campus. DIG Singla said a dedicated SIT has been formed to investigate the allegation and establish the facts through an impartial and thorough probe. Authorities and law enforcement agencies are also tracing the origin of the digital posts and examining potential cross-border or political links behind the disruption.

Punjab Police arrested nine people and named 20 accused after violent clashes, vandalism and arson at LPU, while an SIT probes the viral sexual assault claim.

LPU violence: Punjab Police arrest nine, name 20 accused after campus unrest

Let’s be absolutely clear about one thing: women’s safety is not negotiable. Whether it is a university campus in Punjab, a workplace in Delhi, a street in London, or a home anywhere in the world – every woman has the right to feel safe, and every allegation of sexual violence deserves to be taken seriously, investigated properly, and acted upon through due process.&nbsp;The alleged LPU case has raised serious questions about campus security and how institutions respond when students believe their concerns are not being heard. An FIR has now been registered against unknown persons, and a special investigation team has been constituted to investigate the allegation.&nbsp;The university has denied the circulating claims and calls them rumours. This is precisely why a transparent, credible investigation is needed. But there is another line that must be drawn just as firmly.&nbsp;Protest is a right. Destruction is not. Breaking windows, damaging classrooms, attacking vehicles, or vandalising a campus does not make the truth come out faster. It does not protect women, and it certainly does not punish any offender.&nbsp;In fact, when a protest turns violent, the original issue can get buried under the violence.&nbsp;Be loud and relentless. But do not become destructive.&nbsp;The larger cause must not be forgotten. Across the world, the conversation on women's safety has to move beyond outrage after an incident.&nbsp;Fight for women’s safety, demand accountability and protest if you must. but don't destroy the very place where justice is supposed to be delivered.&nbsp;And one more thing: in an age of social media, unverified claims can become combustible within minutes. Before we forward, accuse, or mobilise, we have a responsibility to establish what is actually known.&nbsp;So be careful. Raise your voice, but also keep fact-checking so that the larger cause is not lost.

Protest is a right. Destruction is not. Breaking windows, damaging classrooms, attacking vehicles, or vandalising a campus does not make the truth come out faster. It does not protect women, and it certainly does not punish any offender.

Let’s be absolutely clear about one thing: women’s safety is not negotiable. Whether it is a university campus in Punjab, a workplace in Delhi, a street in London, or a home anywhere in the world – every woman has the right to feel safe, and every allegation of sexual violence deserves to be taken seriously, investigated properly, and acted upon through due process. The alleged LPU case has raised serious questions about campus security and how institutions respond when students believe their concerns are not being heard. An FIR has now been registered against unknown persons, and a special investigation team has been constituted to investigate the allegation. The university has denied the circulating claims and calls them rumours. This is precisely why a transparent, credible investigation is needed. But there is another line that must be drawn just as firmly. Protest is a right. Destruction is not. Breaking windows, damaging classrooms, attacking vehicles, or vandalising a campus does not make the truth come out faster. It does not protect women, and it certainly does not punish any offender. In fact, when a protest turns violent, the original issue can get buried under the violence. Be loud and relentless. But do not become destructive. The larger cause must not be forgotten. Across the world, the conversation on women's safety has to move beyond outrage after an incident. Fight for women’s safety, demand accountability and protest if you must. but don't destroy the very place where justice is supposed to be delivered. And one more thing: in an age of social media, unverified claims can become combustible within minutes. Before we forward, accuse, or mobilise, we have a responsibility to establish what is actually known. So be careful. Raise your voice, but also keep fact-checking so that the larger cause is not lost.

Protest is a right. Destruction is not. Breaking windows, damaging classrooms, attacking vehicles, or vandalising a campus does not make the truth come out faster. It does not protect women, and it certainly does not punish any offender.

The Verdict | Fight for women’s safety, but don’t let violence bury the cause

Amid widespread violence at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara, several videos on social media purportedly shows students entering shops inside the university’s Uni Mall, and looting food, gadgets and other items. These videos also capture them saying that these items are free.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Items being looted from Mall, LPU riots.<a href="https://t.co/YoPSywaTuu">pic.twitter.com/YoPSywaTuu</a>&mdash; R J (@rahuljaitley) <a href="https://x.com/rahuljaitley/status/2104383942069751855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In one video, a voice can be heard saying “free mein shopping, shopping done” as people move around inside a store. Another video showed a person pointing towards various items in the mall and saying it is free. “What do you need? Order now, will get everything for you in free,” he said. Videos circulating online also show damage to shops in the campus mall, an ATM kiosk and other university property. Some protesters were seen with their faces covered. Students barge into retail outlets, including an on-campus Flipkart hub and gadget stores. Protesters were filmed carrying away high-value devices, including laptops and shoe boxes. One particularly viral clip featured an individual proudly boasting, “Bhai, PS5 le aaye hain” (Brother, we have brought a PlayStation 5).

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🚨 Chaos at Lovely University Campus A tense situation reportedly unfolded at Lovely Professional University (LPU) after a protest turned violent. Videos circulating online appear to show students damaging and looting items from a campus mall. The incident reportedly followed… <a href="https://t.co/utQqVfvFCU">pic.twitter.com/utQqVfvFCU</a>&mdash; Suraj Meena (@surajmeenaz) <a href="https://x.com/surajmeenaz/status/2104175573413298594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Classes suspended, exam postponed</h2>"Regular classes will remain suspended for a period of 10 days with effect from 28th Sept. 2026 (Monday). Mid-Term Examinations are postponed until further notice. The revised examination schedule will be communicated separately via UMS," LPU said. "Students may, in consultation with their parents/guardians, travel to their hometowns during this 10-day period, if they wish to do so. Students who stay back are advised to stay inside their hostels/places of residence and avoid unnecessary movement or involvement in any unrest activities in the interest of their own safety," the university further stated. The administration also appealed to students to remain calm, follow official instructions and stay connected for further updates. Three police SUVs were also set ablaze by the mob.&nbsp;Briefing about the security situation, ADGP Fayaz Farooqui said that over 2,000 personnel are currently deployed to ensure security on the campus throughout the night. "We will ensure security on the campus throughout the night... A force of over 2,000 personnel is currently deployed here. Law and order has been fully maintained and restored.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-social-elements-spreading-false-rumours-lpu-issues-statement-amid-massive-unrest-over-alleged-rape-1790487582874"> ‘Anti-social elements spreading false rumours’: LPU issues statement amid massive unrest over alleged rape</a><h2>What the university said?</h2>In a statement, the university refuted the allegations as “false and fabricated news and rumours" spread by certain “anti-social elements." It called the allegations “compled attempttely false, baseless and fabricated rumours." It said that rumours are being spread to disturb the peaceful academic environment. The university also claimed that the rumours were “a deliberate and concerte to malign its reputation and tarnish its image. The latest statement was undersigned by LPU Registrar Dr Monica Gulati, who urged students and other stakeholders to exercise caution. Later the university also released a video of the students denying rape charges.They also claimed that the hostel warden was informed about the incident, but no action was taken.

Amid violent protests at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, viral videos purportedly show students entering Uni Mall shops and allegedly taking food, gadgets and other items. Clips show damaged stores and an ATM kiosk, while some students are heard describing the items as “free”

Amid widespread violence at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara, several videos on social media purportedly shows students entering shops inside the university’s Uni Mall, and looting food, gadgets and other items. These videos also capture them saying that these items are free.

Amid violent protests at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, viral videos purportedly show students entering Uni Mall shops and allegedly taking food, gadgets and other items. Clips show damaged stores and an ATM kiosk, while some students are heard describing the items as “free”

LPU students loot laptops, gadgets, pick food from university mall amid protests; videos surface

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has issued a statement on Sunday (Sep 27) following massive protests and a rampage at its Phagwara campus since Saturday night. The university has strongly refuted what it called “false and fabricated news and rumours" being circulated on social media and said that certain “anti-social elements" were spreading “completely false, baseless and fabricated rumours." It said that rumours are being spread to disturb the peaceful academic environment. The university also claimed that the rumours were “a deliberate and concerted attempt" to malign its reputation and tarnish its image.&nbsp;“The University categorically clarifies that there is no truth in the rumours presently being circulated," LPU said, urging students, parents and members of the public not to believe, circulate or amplify the claims. It also asked them to rely only on information communicated through the university’s official channels. “The manner in which such false and misleading information is being systematically circulated appears to be a deliberate and concerted attempt to malign the reputation of the University and tarnish its image,” the university said. The latest statement was undersigned by LPU Registrar Dr Monica Gulati, who urged students and other stakeholders to exercise caution.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lpu-students-go-on-rampage-vandalise-campus-amid-rape-allegation-what-s-happening-1790475025258">LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest</a><h2>What exactly triggered the protest and unrest?</h2>Several students gathered late on Saturday night (Sep 26), outside girl's hostel after message on social media platform claimed that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus. Initially, students demanded action but soon the situation turned violent as reports emerged that the university administration had sent the alleged victim home and is reportedly trying to protect the accused. A viral claim on Reddit alleged that an electrician groped a student in GH3 hostel, while another social media post claimed that the administration is trying to protect the employee and hence, it spread news of rape “by an outsider.” &nbsp;These viral claims ignited the situation and students went on a rampage. University property was demolished with several videos showing smashed window panes, broken benches and flower pots, and fire at some parts of the building.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uproar-in-j-k-assembly-as-bjp-protests-over-public-issues-on-first-day-of-autumn-session-1789981014035">Uproar in J&amp;K Assembly as BJP protests over public issues on first day of Autumn Session</a><h2>What has police said?</h2>According to Naveen Singla, DIG Jalandhar Range, the students are demanding action against an alleged rape case. He said that the students blocked the national highway. He also added that registration of an FIR has been initiated and students will be given a copy of it soon. A meeting has also been scheduled between the students and the university administration. He clarified that the FIR will mention G3 hostel but the name of the victim is not known and they will investigate to find out the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The primary demand was that three days ago a girl from the G3 hostel was raped, and no action had been taken regarding this until now. We have received their statement. We have initiated the registration of an FIR, and they will receive a copy shortly. They have other demands as well, and a meeting regarding these has been scheduled for 12:00 PM with the LPU management. Technically, the investigation will involve forensic analysis, CCTV footage review, and phone data analysis. Furthermore, the investigation will be conducted in consultation with student representatives. The complaint currently states only that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, so the FIR is being registered against an unknown person for now, though the G3 hostel is mentioned in the details. The girl is a resident of the G3 hostel, but her name is not yet clear; that is part of the investigation. We will examine CCTV footage and other evidence,” he said.&nbsp;

Lovely Professional University has denied what it called “false and fabricated” rumours circulating on social media amid protests and vandalism at its Phagwara campus. Police said students are demanding action over an alleged rape and have initiated an FIR against an unknown person.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has issued a statement on Sunday (Sep 27) following massive protests and a rampage at its Phagwara campus since Saturday night. The university has strongly refuted what it called “false and fabricated news and rumours" being circulated on social media and said that certain “anti-social elements" were spreading “completely false, baseless and fabricated rumours." It said that rumours are being spread to disturb the peaceful academic environment. The university also claimed that the rumours were “a deliberate and concerted attempt" to malign its reputation and tarnish its image. “The University categorically clarifies that there is no truth in the rumours presently being circulated," LPU said, urging students, parents and members of the public not to believe, circulate or amplify the claims. It also asked them to rely only on information communicated through the university’s official channels. “The manner in which such false and misleading information is being systematically circulated appears to be a deliberate and concerted attempt to malign the reputation of the University and tarnish its image,” the university said. The latest statement was undersigned by LPU Registrar Dr Monica Gulati, who urged students and other stakeholders to exercise caution. Also Read: LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest What exactly triggered the protest and unrest? Several students gathered late on Saturday night (Sep 26), outside girl's hostel after message on social media platform claimed that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus. Initially, students demanded action but soon the situation turned violent as reports emerged that the university administration had sent the alleged victim home and is reportedly trying to protect the accused. A viral claim on Reddit alleged that an electrician groped a student in GH3 hostel, while another social media post claimed that the administration is trying to protect the employee and hence, it spread news of rape “by an outsider.” These viral claims ignited the situation and students went on a rampage. University property was demolished with several videos showing smashed window panes, broken benches and flower pots, and fire at some parts of the building. Also Read: Uproar in J&K Assembly as BJP protests over public issues on first day of Autumn Session What has police said? According to Naveen Singla, DIG Jalandhar Range, the students are demanding action against an alleged rape case. He said that the students blocked the national highway. He also added that registration of an FIR has been initiated and students will be given a copy of it soon. A meeting has also been scheduled between the students and the university administration. He clarified that the FIR will mention G3 hostel but the name of the victim is not known and they will investigate to find out the same. “The primary demand was that three days ago a girl from the G3 hostel was raped, and no action had been taken regarding this until now. We have received their statement. We have initiated the registration of an FIR, and they will receive a copy shortly. They have other demands as well, and a meeting regarding these has been scheduled for 12:00 PM with the LPU management. Technically, the investigation will involve forensic analysis, CCTV footage review, and phone data analysis. Furthermore, the investigation will be conducted in consultation with student representatives. The complaint currently states only that a girl residing in the G3 hostel was raped, so the FIR is being registered against an unknown person for now, though the G3 hostel is mentioned in the details. The girl is a resident of the G3 hostel, but her name is not yet clear; that is part of the investigation. We will examine CCTV footage and other evidence,” he said.

Lovely Professional University has denied what it called “false and fabricated” rumours circulating on social media amid protests and vandalism at its Phagwara campus. Police said students are demanding action over an alleged rape and have initiated an FIR against an unknown person.

‘Anti-social elements spreading false rumours’: LPU issues statement amid massive unrest over alleged rape

Massive unrest was reported from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara on Sunday after a social media message alleged rape of a female student. The unrest began around 2 a.m. (late on Saturday night) near the girls' hostel. As protest intensified, protesting students went on a rampage, smashing window panes, pelting bricks and flower pots, and setting parts of buildings inside the campus on fire. Several videos on social media show angry students going on a rampage with one video even showing that university gate vandalised. The students went on to block the National Highway between Phagwara and Jalandhar. As the situation turned tense, heavy security was deployed by the Kapurthala Police. The protesting students also blocked the Chandigarh–Amritsar National Highway, disrupting traffic in the area.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/du-students-protest-after-alleged-rape-in-delhi-s-aastha-kunj-1790355902286">DU students protest after alleged rape in Delhi's Aastha Kunj</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">LPU : ANOTHER IMPORTANT VIDEO 🚨 <a href="https://t.co/b9l1vlshoJ">https://t.co/b9l1vlshoJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/QpMtTMhBGU">pic.twitter.com/QpMtTMhBGU</a>&mdash; CA Anurag (@CAAnurag_) <a href="https://x.com/CAAnurag_/status/2104027187242500401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What exactly triggered the protest and unrest?</h2>Late Saturday night (September 26, 2026), messages began spreading rapidly across social media platforms claiming that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus by an outsider. Another viral claim on Reddit alleges that an electrician groped a student in GH3 hostel. Another social media post claimed that the administration is trying to protect the employee and hence, it spread news of rape by an outsider. Any of these claims have not been verified yet. There has been no statement from the LPU administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-quashes-student-protest-firs-directs-no-further-investigation-1788256226040">Supreme Court quashes student protest FIRs, directs no further investigation</a><h2>What police said?</h2>Kapurthala Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora reached the spot as the situation rapidly turned violent. He said the rape allegation has not been confirmed so far and that an investigation is underway to establish the facts. Authorities are also looking into the circumstances surrounding the social media message that triggered the protests. The situation at the university was being monitored by police as further details emerged. Toora &nbsp;also said, "A viral message about an unverified incident of rape of a student has led to unrest among students against the LPU administration. So far, we have found no substantiating evidence to corroborate the incident, and no complaint has been received by us. The students have caused heavy damage to university property. They have currently laid siege to the NH. I am at the spot. We are trying to talk to the students and pacify them. The situation has started to come under control. We expect things to get settled in some time."&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Arson at LPU. LPU fully engulfed, mall and bakery destroyed completely. Complete anarchy. <a href="https://t.co/eC74aGS28W">pic.twitter.com/eC74aGS28W</a>&mdash; Mohit Sharma (@mohit_sh84) <a href="https://x.com/mohit_sh84/status/2103966476638257530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Protests erupted at Lovely Professional University in Punjab after an unverified social media message alleged that a female student was raped. Students vandalised campus property and blocked highways, while police said no complaint or evidence had been found

Massive unrest was reported from Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab’s Phagwara on Sunday after a social media message alleged rape of a female student. The unrest began around 2 a.m. (late on Saturday night) near the girls' hostel. As protest intensified, protesting students went on a rampage, smashing window panes, pelting bricks and flower pots, and setting parts of buildings inside the campus on fire. Several videos on social media show angry students going on a rampage with one video even showing that university gate vandalised. The students went on to block the National Highway between Phagwara and Jalandhar. As the situation turned tense, heavy security was deployed by the Kapurthala Police. The protesting students also blocked the Chandigarh–Amritsar National Highway, disrupting traffic in the area. Also Read: DU students protest after alleged rape in Delhi's Aastha Kunj

Protests erupted at Lovely Professional University in Punjab after an unverified social media message alleged that a female student was raped. Students vandalised campus property and blocked highways, while police said no complaint or evidence had been found

LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest: What's happening

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LPU violence: Punjab Police arrest nine, name 20 accused after campus unrest

The Verdict | Fight for women’s safety, but don’t let violence bury the cause

LPU students loot laptops, gadgets, pick food from university mall amid protests

‘False rumours...’: LPU issues statement amid massive unrest over alleged rape

LPU students go on rampage, vandalise campus amid widespread protest