CHANDIGARH, September 28: Political tensions have intensified in Punjab following violent protests at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP and Congress targeting the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the handling of the unrest and law-and-order situation.
The protests began after allegations circulated that a female student had been sexually assaulted on the university campus. LPU has denied the allegation, calling the claims baseless, while police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person and constituted a seven-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
The situation later turned violent, with reports of vandalism, arson, damage to vehicles and clashes between protesters and police. NH-44 near the university was also blocked for several hours. The university has suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations.
SAD leaders have questioned the presence of alleged outsiders on the campus. Party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal claimed that people carrying weapons and walkie-talkies were found inside LPU and alleged a “larger conspiracy.” These claims remain allegations and are subject to investigation.
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu also accused the Punjab government of failing to prevent the violence and alleged political motives behind the unrest. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala similarly criticised the Mann government over the handling of the situation and raised questions about law and order.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed strict action against those responsible and asked DGP Gaurav Yadav to visit the university and assess the situation. Police have increased security around the campus, while the investigation into the allegations and subsequent violence continues
