LPU suspends classes for 10 days, postpones mid-term exams after violent Phagwara protest
Lovely Professional University has suspended regular classes for 10 days from 28 September and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice after Sunday's student protest over an alleged rape case turned violent, with clashes, stone-pelting and vehicles set on fire.
Lovely Professional University has suspended regular classes for 10 days with effect from Monday, 28 September 2026, and postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice, following violent student protests on the Phagwara campus on Sunday evening.
In a statement, the university said the revised examination schedule would be communicated separately via UMS. Students may travel to their hometowns in consultation with their parents or guardians during the 10-day period; those staying back have been advised to remain inside their hostels or places of residence and avoid unnecessary movement.
The protest, which began on Saturday night after social media claims about an alleged rape of a female student on campus, escalated on Sunday evening. PTC News reported that bottles were allegedly thrown at police personnel around 7:30 pm during an interaction with protesting students, after which police resorted to a lathi-charge. Protesters allegedly pelted stones in response, three police vehicles were reportedly set on fire, and police fired tear gas shells around 9 pm to disperse the crowd.
Police have not confirmed whether a student was raped within the campus; an FIR has been registered against multiple unknown people and the investigation is ongoing. The university and police have described the rape claims circulating online as rumour.
Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka blamed both the Centre and the Punjab government for the unrest, telling ANI: “I believe both the Central government and the Punjab government have failed; it is their responsibility to intervene immediately.”
Sources
- The Economic Times — LPU postpones mid-term exams, suspends classes for 10 days amid Phagwara protests — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/lpu-postpones-mid-term-exams-suspends-classes-for-10-days-amid-phagwara-protests/articleshow/134529200.cms
- Lokmat Times (ANI) — LPU suspends classes for 10 days, postpones mid-term exams amid violent protests — https://www.lokmattimes.com/national/lpu-suspends-classes-for-10-days-postpones-mid-term-exams-amid-violent-protests/
- Deccan Chronicle — LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days, Postpones Mid-Term Exams Amid Violent Protests — https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/lpu-suspends-classes-for-10-days-postpones-mid-term-exams-amid-violent-protests-1991132
- PTC News — LPU protest turns violent, police enter campus as students clash with cops; classes suspended for 10 days, mid-term exams postponed — https://www.ptcnews.tv/punjab/lpu-protest-turns-violent-punjab-police-lathi-charge-students-vehicles-set-ablaze-varsity-shut-10-days-4429857
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