PHAGWARA (GURPREET SINGH): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken cognisance of the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU) and directed authorities to take strict action against those involved in the vandalism and arson that erupted on the campus.
The developments followed protests by students over allegations that a female student had been sexually assaulted at the university’s GH3 girls’ hostel. The allegation triggered demonstrations that later turned violent, prompting police intervention and heightened security on the campus.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited LPU on Monday to assess the situation and review arrangements following the unrest. He also spoke to the media during his visit as authorities worked to bring the situation under control.
Tensions had escalated over the weekend, with students taking to the campus on Saturday night and again on Sunday evening. Several parts of the university premises were damaged during the protests. Windows were smashed, railings were uprooted and other campus property was vandalised.
Sunday’s violence also saw three police vehicles and a university building being set ablaze, adding to concerns over security and the safety of students and staff.
In response to the disruption, the university announced the suspension of regular classes for 10 days. The mid-term examinations have also been postponed until further notice.
Meanwhile, Kapurthala police registered a case against an unidentified person on Sunday in connection with the allegation of sexual assault involving a student. The investigation into the complaint is continuing.
With police reviewing the situation and authorities seeking to restore normalcy, attention remains focused on both the investigation into the alleged assault and the incidents of violence that followed the protests.
