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Lovely Professional University unrest leads to violence and arrests in Punjab
Violence and vandalism erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, Punjab, following unverified social media rumors of a female student being sexually assaulted. The unrest led to the blockade of the Delhi-Amritsar National Highway, causing significant traffic disruptions for over 15 hours. Protesters reportedly damaged university property, including CCTV cameras, and engaged in arson and looting. Some reports indicated that masked outsiders carrying weapons joined the fray.
In response, Punjab Police have arrested five individuals, including a student and two outsiders, and have named approximately 20 people in an FIR. The university suspended all classes and academic activities for 10 days. LPU founder-chancellor and BJP MP Ashok Mittal suggested a “big conspiracy” was behind the incident, raising concerns regarding national security in the border state.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has intervened, seeking a status report from the Punjab government and the Jalandhar Police Commissioner. A student petitioner has requested a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. While police are investigating the alleged assault, they have noted that no victim has been identified and no evidence of the crime has been found on CCTV footage thus far.
Entities
Ashok Mittal · Delhi-Amritsar National Highway · Gaurav Yadav · Lovely Professional University · Phagwara · Punjab Police · Punjab and Haryana High Court
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The unrest was reportedly triggered by unverified social media posts alleging the rape of a female student. southasiandaily.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The High Court directed the Punjab government and Jalandhar Police Commissioner to provide a status report on the investigation into violence at Lovely Professional University. southasiandaily.com · www.news18.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A student filed a public interest litigation seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the incident. southasiandaily.com · www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 20 people have been named in a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the violence. www.newindianexpress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Punjab Police have arrested five individuals in connection with arson, robbery, and attempted murder at the campus. www.newindianexpress.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lovely Professional University suspended academic activities for 10 days starting September 28. southasiandaily.com