LPU protest: Traffic on NH-44 restored, situation under control, say police

Traffic on National Highway 44 in Punjab's Phagwara, which had been obstructed by Lovely Professional University (LPU) students for more than 15 hours, has now resumed, according to police on Monday (September 28, 2026). The situation has been brought under control, the police added. The students of LPU in Phagwara initiated a violent protest on their campus on Sunday (September 27, 2026), damaging property and blocking a section of the New Delhi-Amritsar highway outside their institution, alleging an outsider had raped a female student on university grounds.

The traffic on the national highway resumed during the night between Sunday and Monday, stated Jalandhar Police Commissioner Satinder Singh, emphasizing that the situation remained peaceful. A police contingent remained stationed outside the LPU on Monday morning. Numerous students left the campus for their homes after LPU authorities suspended classes for ten days starting from Monday (September 28).

Midterm examinations have also been postponed pending further notice. The LPU also permitted students to depart home on that day, if they so chose, following consultation with their parents or guardians. Students who chose to remain on campus were advised to stay within their hostels or residences, avoiding unnecessary movement or involvement in any unrest, for their own safety, the university announced.

Fresh violence broke out on Sunday (September 27) evening when the protesting students hurled stones at police personnel and attacked their vehicles, resulting in several cops sustaining injuries, officials disclosed. A substantial force led by ADGP M F Farooqui entered the campus late Sunday (September 27) night, and a flag march comprising senior officers and other personnel was conducted.

On Sunday (September 27) evening, police attempted to remove the protesters obstructing NH-44 outside the campus since 8 a.m., when some students hurled water bottles at them. They engaged in a clash with the police, who resorted to lathi charge, causing the students to scatter towards the campus. However, once inside, the students began indiscriminately throwing stones at the police, officials reported.

Police on Sunday (September 27) stated that a rape case was registered against an unidentified individual following a complaint from the students, and an SIT has been constituted to probe the matter, despite the university dismissing the reported crime on campus as rumors.