Lovely Professional University violence leads to multiple arrests in Punjab

Police in Phagwara, Punjab, have intensified investigations into violence that occurred at Lovely Professional University (LPU) on September 27 and 28. Authorities have registered four separate FIRs involving charges such as vandalism, arson of police vehicles, and obstructing traffic. So far, nine individuals have been arrested, including seven students and two outsiders, while 20 others have been named in legal filings.

Three suspects—identified as James Dahiya, Gagan, and Kamal—were placed on a three-day police remand by a local court. Additionally, a minor student from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, was arrested after CCTV footage showed him climbing a MiG-23UM fighter jet displayed on the campus.

The unrest was reportedly triggered by viral social media claims regarding the sexual harassment of a female student. However, a video surfaced in which the alleged victim stated she was safe and that no such incident had occurred, though she noted the protests had caused her significant distress. Police are also investigating the role of social media in spreading rumors that incited the demonstrations.