LPU to form 3-member panel to probe violence, 30–40 students under scanner

Lovely Professional University has set up a three-member committee to investigate violence, arson and vandalism during the campus unrest. Around 30–40 students are under scrutiny as footage is reviewed to fix responsibility for the damage.

In Short

• Protests over sexual assault allegations escalated near the girls' hostel
• Shops, facilities and vehicles were damaged as unrest spread across campus
• Police faced stone-pelting during clashes and a police vehicle was torched

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has formed a three-member disciplinary committee to probe students allegedly involved in arson, vandalism and violence during the recent campus unrest in Phagwara.

Around 30–40 students are reportedly under the university's scanner as authorities examine videos and other footage to identify those involved in the violence.

The move comes after protests over allegations of sexual assault turned violent on the LPU campus. Students had gathered near the girls' hostel before the unrest spread, with parts of the campus damaged and vehicles set on fire.

FROM PROTEST TO PROPERTY DAMAGE

During the violence, students allegedly vandalised university property, damaged shops and other facilities and set vehicles on fire. Police also faced stone-pelting during clashes, while a police vehicle was torched.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said students had raised a complaint on the night of September 26–27 and later caused damage, including setting part of a gate on fire.

One student identified by other students is MD Farhat Dev. He has been accused by fellow students of breaking trophies during the vandalism. The university is now examining footage and other available evidence as part of the disciplinary process.

The identification of individual students is part of the ongoing probe and any action will depend on the findings of the university's committee.

LPU MOVES TO IDENTIFY THOSE INVOLVED

The disciplinary action follows the university's decision to suspend regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postpone mid-term examinations amid the unrest. Students were also seen leaving the campus after heavy police deployment.

Police have separately registered an FIR following a female student's complaint and formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the alleged sexual assault. Investigators said they would examine CCTV footage, forensic evidence and call records.

LPU, meanwhile, has denied the sexual assault allegations and described the claims circulated on campus and social media as false and fabricated.

The latest disciplinary probe is focused on the students allegedly involved in the violence and damage to university property, as authorities work to identify those responsible.

- Ends