LPU rape incident sparks protests, questions raised on AAP government
The university has suspended regular classes for ten days starting September 28.
Punjab BJP Rajya Sabha member Ashok Mittal faced violent protests from students over reports of the rape of a student at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) campus in Phagwara and her subsequent suicide. Punjab Police charged at the protesting students and fired tear gas shells. Several students were injured in the police action.
Following this, the university has suspended regular classes for 10 days starting from September 28. Midterm examinations have also been postponed until further notice. The university stated that a new schedule for the exams will be communicated to students separately. The police have not yet confirmed the rape or suicide and the investigation is ongoing.
It is noteworthy that LPU chairman Ashok Mittal was previously with the Aam Aadmi Party.
The university has allowed students to go home during this period after consulting with their parents or guardians. Those students who remain on campus have been advised to stay in their hostels or residences for safety reasons and to avoid unnecessary movement and disturbances. The administration stated that the decision to halt academic activities was made to restore normalcy on campus and ensure the safety of students.
The Punjab Women's Commission has taken cognizance of the matter and has sought a copy of the FIR, SIT, and the investigation report so far from the DC and SSP of Kapurthala. The Commission has also requested information about the safety arrangements made for the girls' hostel at the university.
Meanwhile, CM Bhagwant Mann has taken note of the matter and stated that strict action will be taken against the culprits. Following his directives, DGP Gaurav Yadav visited the university to assess the situation.
On this matter, Cockroach Janata Party's Abhijit Deepke posted on X saying that,
The university campus should be one of the safest places for girls. If they do not feel safe even in their hostel, then it is a serious problem. In 2026, they should not have to protest for basic things like safety.
However, Deepke has not commented on the police lathi charge on the students in the campus. No members of the CJP have yet visited the campus to assess the situation.
On this matter, Congress leader Pawan Khera posted on X saying that,
A rape incident has come to light at LPU. The founder and chairman of the university, Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Kumar Mittal, has switched from AAP to BJP. It is alleged that an FIR should have been filed immediately in such a situation, but the AAP government did not file it initially. After that, students protested, and an FIR was filed after the protests escalated. Critics allege that this is an example of collusion politics between AAP and BJP—one party has the university and the other has the government. In such a case, the question arises, who is accountable? Accusers claim that AAP is acting as the 'B-team' of BJP.
It is noteworthy that LPU became embroiled in controversy when a large number of students gathered on the university campus demanding an investigation and action regarding the rape incident. Students allege that an outsider working on campus raped a student. According to the protesters, the student was sent home afterward, where she committed suicide. Both claims are currently under investigation. The university has denied the allegations of rape and suicide.
During the protest, there were reports of damage to campus property and arson in some areas. Students blocked a section of National Highway-44 outside the university for an extended period, affecting traffic. The protesters demanded that a case be registered regarding the alleged incident and a fair investigation be conducted. Amidst the protests and violence, the police and university administration appealed to students to maintain peace.
A video released by the university has sparked new controversy. The video shared on LPU's Instagram and X accounts shows registrar Monica Gulati speaking with three students residing in room number 504 of Girls Hostel-3. This video was released in response to claims circulating on social media linking that very room to the alleged incident.
In the university's video, one student states that,
They have been living in that room for almost two months and no such incident has occurred there.
The second student says that they are disturbed by the repeated questions. The third student appeals to the police not to come to the room repeatedly. Through the video, the university attempted to refute the claims circulating about that specific room.
However,
the three students appearing in the video later questioned the university's presentation in another video. They alleged that they were told what to say on camera. According to one student, they were instructed to say that they were being harassed by other students, and they followed the given instructions. The students also claimed that only a portion of the recording was cut and posted on Instagram without their consent.
One student said that,
They were not aware that the video would be published. After that, they faced abusive comments on social media. The second student clarified that they have no connection to the alleged incident. The students have appealed to people to stop targeting them, as their room has been linked to the controversy while they themselves are not involved in the matter. These allegations have raised questions regarding the university's clarification video.
Students have alleged that after the incident, the warden of the hostel sent the concerned student home instead of informing the police.
According to Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla,
The investigation is ongoing, including this allegation. The police are also examining digital and technical evidence and investigating the hostel premises and CCTV footage. Five representatives of the protesting students have also been included in the investigation team.
The university has rejected the claims of rape and suicide, alleging that some anti-social elements are trying to create confusion among students and disrupt the peaceful academic environment on campus. On the other hand, the protesting students want an independent investigation into the complaints and all videos that have emerged. Following the new allegations from the students residing in the room, it has also become part of the investigation to determine under what circumstances the university's video was recorded and published.
Currently, the claims regarding the crime, the student's death, and the allegations from the students regarding the video—confirmation of all three will only be possible after the investigation is completed. The police have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
Amidst the tension on campus, the decision to halt classes and postpone examinations has been implemented; students are now awaiting further notice from the university and the results of the police investigation.