Lovely Professional University has suspended classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term exams following student protests in Phagwara. The unrest, sparked by an alleged sexual assault incident, led to blockades on National Highway-44. While the university has denied the assault allegations, the campus remains under heavy security as police investigations proceed.
Lovely Professional University, one of the large private universities in Punjab, has suspended academic operations for 10 days starting September 28. This decision follows a period of intense student protests in Phagwara, which have disrupted both campus life and local transportation.
The administration has halted all ongoing mid-term examinations until further notice. Students have been advised to stay within hostels or vacate the campus as local authorities work to restore normalcy. The disruption follows significant demonstrations that spilled onto National Highway-44, causing major traffic delays in the region.
The situation began after allegations of sexual assault against a student surfaced within the campus. These reports led to student protests that escalated into clashes with police, resulting in damage to property, including official vehicles and local shops. The university administration has formally denied the claims, categorizing them as unverified rumors created by outside elements.
A Special Investigation Team has been set up to review evidence, including video footage and communication records, to verify the facts. Law enforcement has also registered an FIR against unknown persons to address the violence and destruction of public property. The university has stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing police inquiry.
For the education sector, incidents involving campus safety and security can create operational uncertainty. Reliable safety systems and effective crisis management are key factors for institutional reputation and student enrollment. Stakeholders will be monitoring the investigation outcomes and the timeline for the resumption of normal academic activities.