LPU Campus Violence: Punjab Police Arrest 9, Name 20 Accused After Viral Message

October 2, 2026

Jalandhar (Punjab): Punjab Police have arrested nine people, including seven students of Lovely Professional University (LPU) and a juvenile, in connection with the violence, vandalism and arson that broke out on the university campus on September 27 following the circulation of a viral message, senior police officials said.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Naveen Singla, along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Toora and Special Investigation Team (SIT) in-charge Vaneet Ahlawat, addressed a press conference on Friday and provided details of the investigation and arrests.

Viral Posts Triggered Campus Unrest

The controversy began after social media posts circulated allegations of a serious incident inside the girls’ hostel area. The posts claimed that an outsider had sexually assaulted a female student.

The allegations triggered protests and agitation among students, who gathered in large numbers demanding accountability, improved security measures and action from the university authorities.

DIG Singla said a dedicated SIT has been formed to investigate the sexual-assault allegations and establish the facts through an impartial and detailed probe.

Police Deny Lathi-Charge, Cite Stone-Pelting and Arson

Addressing allegations of police high-handedness, Singla said police personnel did not initiate a lathi-charge.

According to the DIG, police initially coordinated with students and media personnel and attempted to reassure students that the administration was with them.

He said that when police teams reached the campus, damage was initially limited. However, a section of the crowd allegedly turned violent, pelting stones at police and media personnel, vandalising property and setting several vehicles on fire.

Police subsequently used minimal force to disperse the crowd and restore order, Singla said.

The violence later spread beyond the campus, with clashes and disruption reported on the New Delhi-Amritsar National Highway.

Nine Arrested, 20 Named in Case

According to police, suspects were traced and arrested from Phagwara, Jammu and Mumbai.

Police verification found that seven of the accused are university students, while two are outsiders. A juvenile is also among those arrested.

Investigators have so far identified 20 people allegedly involved in the rioting and named them in the case.

The investigation into the violence and the circumstances surrounding the viral posts is continuing.

Classes Suspended After Violence

Following the unrest, university authorities suspended physical classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations.

The local administration also temporarily suspended internet access in the area around the university campus as authorities sought to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain law and order.

Police are also investigating the origin of the digital posts and examining alleged links behind the coordinated disruption, including possible cross-border or political connections, officials said.

Importantly, the sexual-assault allegation remains under investigation. The police have formed a dedicated SIT to establish what happened and verify the claims that triggered the protests.