LPU campus violence: Punjab Police arrest nine, name 20 accused after viral message triggers unrest
Punjab Police arrest nine people, including students, following violent clashes and arson at Lovely Professional University triggered by viral messages.
The Punjab Police have intensified their crackdown on the perpetrators behind the recent chaos at Lovely Professional University (LPU), arresting nine individuals following a wave of vandalism and arson that rocked the campus.
LPU Campus Violence: 9 Arrested, 20 Named in Riots
The arrests, which include seven university students and one juvenile, come in the wake of intense unrest that erupted on the LPU campus on September 27. The violence was reportedly triggered by a viral social media message that sparked widespread agitation among the student community.
The Spark: Viral Misinformation and Outrage
The controversy began when social media posts began circulating, alleging a serious incident of sexual assault involving an outsider within the girls' hostel. These claims led to a massive gathering of students who demanded immediate accountability, enhanced security measures, and strict action from the university administration.
While the protests initially began as a demand for justice, the situation rapidly deteriorated. According to senior police officials, what started as an agitation quickly spiraled into a scene of destruction.
From Protest to Arson: The Escalation
Addressing the media, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Naveen Singla provided a detailed account of how the situation turned violent. He noted that while police arrived on campus to find minimal damage, a specific section of the crowd suddenly turned aggressive.
Key details of the escalation include:
- Stone Pelting: Protesters allegedly pelted stones at both police personnel and media representatives.
- Vandalism and Arson: Multiple vehicles were set on fire, and significant campus property was vandalized.
- Highway Disruption: The clashes were so intense that they spilled over onto the New Delhi-Amritsar National Highway.
- Police Response: DIG Singla refuted claims of police high-handedness, stating that force was only used as a last resort to disperse the mob and restore order.
Investigation and Arrests: Tracking the Suspects
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been working aggressively to identify those responsible. Through the current First Information Report (FIR), police have tracked and apprehended suspects from diverse locations, including Phagwara, Jammu, and Mumbai.
Investigations have confirmed that seven of the arrested individuals are current students of the university, while two are outsiders. Furthermore, the police have formally named 20 individuals in connection with the rioting and destruction of property.
SIT Probe into Sexual Assault Allegations
Regarding the original trigger of the unrest—the alleged sexual assault—the police have emphasized that a dedicated SIT has been formed. A thorough and impartial probe is currently underway to establish the actual facts behind the claims that ignited the protests.
Law enforcement agencies are not just looking at the physical violence; they are also conducting a digital forensic investigation. Authorities are working to trace the exact origin of the viral posts to determine if there are any cross-border or political links aimed at causing coordinated disruption in the region.
Impact on Campus Life
In the aftermath of the violence, the university administration took several emergency measures to maintain stability:
- Class Suspension: Physical classes were suspended for a period of 10 days.
- Exam Postponement: Mid-term examinations were pushed back to ensure student safety.
- Internet Restrictions: Local administration temporarily restricted internet access in the vicinity of the campus to prevent the further spread of misinformation.