Phagwara, Punjab: Students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Phagwara alleged that outsiders entered the campus, including the girls' hostel, and vandalised buildings amid violent protests over an alleged rape case, with one student saying that girls did not feel safe even inside the university.

The university has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice in view of the unrest.

A female student, speaking to ANI, said the university had advised students to remain inside their hostels and prioritise their safety amid the violence.

"The university's stand is that the students should stay safe. It is better for them to stay inside their hostels and stay safe from the locals and goons who have come. Instead of roaming outside, if they want to protest, they can do it peacefully. But the situation going on inside is getting a bit out of hand, and the students are not involved in it; mostly goons are involved. So right now, safety is the top priority. This protest is going on for the girls, but the girls themselves don't feel safe inside... A lot of students fought with the goons, who have completely destroyed the University hall, set fire to the CS building, and broken the admission block... They even broke the trophies the students won..."

Also read | Violent clash at SRFTI leaves several injured after right-wing consumer group event sparks protest

Another student said the university administration had informed them that buildings housing the Computer Science department were vandalised and set on fire during the unrest.

"According to the interaction we had with the administration, we were told that amid the ruckus last night, the main buildings of Computer Science on the campus were vandalised and set on fire, which is why we were granted a 10-day holiday. The ruckus has stopped, and there is a peaceful environment inside. The police have secured the campus. Boys entered the girls' hostel last night, and a lot of vandalism and scuffles broke out in the university park... We are feeling safe right now, but we are not sure if everything will be normal after 10 days, or if online classes will be held because the classes were vandalised to a great extent last night..."

The university, in a statement, said regular classes would remain suspended for 10 days from September 28, while mid-term examinations had been postponed until further notice.

"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.

It added that students could travel to their hometowns after consulting their parents or guardians.

"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 said.

The administration also appealed to students to remain calm, follow official instructions and stay connected for further updates.

Protests over alleged rape case

Massive student protests erupted in Phagwara early Sunday after reports circulated on social media alleging that a university student had been raped on the campus.

Police said an investigation was underway to establish the facts of the incident. They have not yet confirmed whether a student was raped within the university premises, and the identity of the accused remains unknown.

An FIR has been registered against multiple unidentified people as the investigation continues.

Congress leader blames Centre, Punjab government

Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka held both the Centre and the Punjab government responsible for the unrest and called for immediate intervention.

"I believe both the Central government and the Punjab government have failed; it is their responsibility to intervene immediately. I directly hold both the Centre and the Punjab government responsible for inciting these riots... I appeal to both the students and the administration to sit down and bring the situation under control immediately... I feel that a proper investigation has not been conducted; everything is happening in a state of panic. Neither the administration nor the university authorities seem to have a grip on the situation, and the students' voices are not being heard. I believe they need to act sensibly—whether it is the students or the administration—and handle this matter responsibly...," he told ANI.