LPU forms panel to probe campus violence, around 40 students under scrutiny

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has constituted a three-member disciplinary committee to investigate students allegedly involved in arson, vandalism and violence during the recent unrest on its Phagwara campus, with around 30–40 students now under scrutiny.

The university is examining video footage and other available evidence to identify those allegedly responsible for damaging property and setting vehicles and parts of the campus on fire during the protests.

The unrest erupted on the intervening night of September 26 and 27 after allegations of sexual assault involving a female student circulated among students and on social media. The claims remain under investigation, while LPU has denied that the alleged incident took place and described the allegations as false and fabricated.

The protests later escalated, with students allegedly vandalising university property, blocking the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway and clashing with police. Parts of the campus and vehicles were damaged or set on fire during the violence.

Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, who visited the campus on September 28, said the police had exercised restraint but that those responsible for vandalism would face action. A separate Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the broader unrest and the allegations that triggered the protests.

Students identified as university examines footage

The university's disciplinary process is now focused on identifying individual students allegedly involved in the violence. Among those identified by fellow students is MD Farhat Dev, who has been accused of damaging trophies during the vandalism. The allegations against individual students are yet to be established and are part of the ongoing inquiry.

The committee's findings will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted against students found responsible for violations of university rules or damage to property.

Classes suspended as campus returns to normal

The disciplinary inquiry comes as LPU works to restore normalcy on campus. The university has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed its mid-term examinations until further notice. Students were also allowed to return to their hometowns during the suspension period, while those staying on campus were advised to remain inside their hostels or places of residence and avoid involvement in any unrest.

Meanwhile, the police investigation into the sexual assault allegation is continuing separately. Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person and formed an SIT to examine the complaint, CCTV footage, forensic evidence and other material. The allegation itself has not been established, making the ongoing investigation central to determining what actually occurred.

The university's latest disciplinary probe is therefore focused specifically on the violence and damage witnessed during the protests, with authorities examining evidence before deciding responsibility and further action.