The Punjab Police have apprehended nine individuals, including seven university students and a juvenile, in relation to violent incidents that occurred at Lovely Professional University (LPU) on September 27. Senior officials from the police department confirmed the arrests during a press conference. These events were sparked by a viral message that circulated on social media platforms, alleging a serious incident in the girls’ hostel.

During the press briefing, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Naveen Singla, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora and Special Investigation Team (SIT) head Vaneet Ahlawat, provided insights into the ongoing investigation. The initial outburst stemmed from claims of a female student being sexually assaulted by an outsider, which led to significant unrest as students protested and demanded action.

Singla addressed concerns over police conduct, stating that officers did not resort to lathi-charges to control the situation. Instead, the police aimed to collaborate with students and media, conveying reassurance regarding their safety and the administration’s support. Nevertheless, when police units arrived, they found the damage to property was initially limited, but tensions escalated rapidly as a portion of the protesters turned aggressive.

Escalation of Violence and Damage to Property

The situation deteriorated as demonstrators started hurling stones at law enforcement and journalists on the scene. Following this surge of violence, several vehicles were vandalised and set ablaze. In response to these aggressive actions, the police were left with no option but to deploy minimum force to regain control and ensure the safety of all involved.

The violent outbreaks not only caused destruction on campus but also disrupted traffic on the New Delhi-Amritsar National Highway. To mitigate further chaos and misinformation, university officials decided to suspend all in-person classes for a duration of ten days and postponed mid-term examinations. Additionally, local authorities temporarily severed internet connectivity within the vicinity of the university.

In the wake of these events, DIG Singla disclosed that police had made significant strides in tracking down suspects, with some arrests made in locations such as Phagwara, Jammu, and Mumbai. Of the arrested parties, seven were confirmed as students of LPU, while two were identified as outsiders. Moreover, the police are currently in the process of identifying a total of twenty individuals implicated in the unrest.

Ongoing Investigations Into Allegations and Misinformation

Amid the unrest, the allegations of sexual assault that ignited the protests remain a focal point of the broader investigation. DIG Singla emphasised that a specialised SIT has been established to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the matter. This investigation aims to uncover the truth regarding the alleged assault and the circumstances surrounding the viral message.

Authorities are also scrutinising the origins of the social media posts that aided in instigating the protests and are exploring any potential links to cross-border influences or political motives that may have contributed to the situation. The objective is to address the underlying issues and restore normalcy within the university community, while ensuring the safety of all students and staff.

As investigations continue, the Punjab Police are committed to maintaining law and order on campus and ensuring accountability for those involved in the violent incidents. The situation at LPU remains a significant concern for both law enforcement and university management as they strive to navigate the aftermath of the unrest.

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