Students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab's Phagwara described the overnight violence on campus as “horrific” after protests over an alleged rape incident escalated into vandalism, arson and clashes, prompting the university to suspend regular classes for 10 days.
The university has also postponed mid-term examinations until further notice, with a large number of students heading to their hometowns amid concerns over safety and uncertainty surrounding the resumption of academic activities.
Heavy police deployment was in place across the campus on Monday, and students said the situation had become relatively peaceful following the overnight unrest. However, several expressed apprehension about returning to normal classes after the break.
A student said the university administration had informed them about the academic suspension and postponement of examinations.
“We received the notice yesterday... Everything is peaceful inside the campus... Exams have been postponed and the regular classes were suspended. If everything goes well, normalcy might return within 1-2 weeks,” the student said.
Another student claimed that university buildings had suffered extensive damage during the violence, including facilities belonging to the Computer Science department.
“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 student said.
Although the situation had subsequently calmed down, the student said uncertainty remained over whether academic activities would resume on campus or shift online.
“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 student added.
Students allege outsiders entered campus, damaged university property
With safety emerging as the immediate concern, students said the university administration had advised them to remain inside their hostels and avoid unnecessary movement outside the campus.
One student said the protests were intended to seek justice for the girl but alleged that the unrest had left students themselves feeling unsafe.
“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,” the student said.
The student further alleged that outsiders had entered the university premises and damaged several buildings and facilities, including the university hall, Computer Science building and admission block.
“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,” the student alleged.
Vishal Kumar, another student, said the campus had remained peaceful during the day on Sunday, when students were protesting, but the situation deteriorated after nightfall.
“Until yesterday morning, the situation was normal; students were protesting. But as night fell, a large number of people came from outside wearing masks and it turned violent,” Kumar said.
Describing the violence and the subsequent decision to leave campus, he added, “There was so much violence at night. Then we got a message from the University about the 10-day holiday. Everyone is leaving for home now. Safety is an issue. The scenes last night were horrific. We are now going home; that is a safe option,” he added.
Student alleges police lathi-charge, violence near girls' hostel
Another student, Karan, said the situation on Monday was under control due to the deployment of a large police force but alleged that police had resorted to a lathi-charge against protesting students during the previous night.
“Right now, the situation is a little peaceful. The situation is under control because there is heavy Police presence right now. But last night, Police lathicharged on the protesting students,” Karan said.
He also alleged that outsiders had damaged university departments, set trees on fire and entered the girls' hostel carrying knives.
According to Karan, the violence took place between 10 pm and midnight, with police arriving after midnight.
“Everything happened between 10 pm - 12 am. Police reached after 12 am. The situation was so out of control. We were all so scared. We have now been given 10-day holiday, exams have also been postponed. Let's see what happens. An official notification is yet to come,” he said.
Bhagwant Mann directs DGP to visit LPU, assess situation
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered strict action against those responsible for the violence and directed Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav to visit the university and take stock of the situation.
The unrest followed reports circulating on social media about the alleged rape of a university student. Police have said the allegation is under investigation and that the facts surrounding the incident are yet to be established. An FIR has been registered against multiple unknown persons.
Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Harinder Gill said the situation had remained peaceful on Monday, with students leaving the campus following the university's decision to suspend classes.
“The situation has been peaceful since last night. The University Administration has suspended regular classes for 10 days. So, students have been leaving here since last night. The situation is peaceful. There is no protesting or anything as of now. We have made a large-scale deployment of Police at all gates of the campus,” Gill told ANI.
Earlier, Punjab Police conducted a flag march at the university as part of security arrangements. Additional Director General of Police Fayaz Farooqui said more than 2,000 police personnel had been deployed to maintain law and order.
The investigation into the alleged sexual assault and the violence on campus is ongoing, while students await further directions from the university administration regarding the resumption of classes and examinations.