LPU Dean blames outsiders for violent protests, calls assault claims rumours
Synopsis
LPU's Dean is pointing fingers at outsiders and a social media-fuelled conspiracy — but a viral sexual assault claim, torched vehicles, and a political subplot involving the chancellor's party switch have turned a campus protest into a full-blown crisis. With a CBI probe being demanded and classes suspended for 10 days, the situation at Phagwara is far from resolved.
Key Takeaways
LPU Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal on 29 September 2026 blamed 'outsiders' and 'anti-social elements' for violent protests at the Phagwara campus.
He called the sexual assault allegations that triggered protests 'social media rumours,' with the police cyber cell investigating the original message.
The university responded to student demands by forming a committee, reviewing CCTV footage , and conducting hostel inspections.
Dr Lakhanpal called for a CBI inquiry, while also suggesting the police were 'somewhat negligent' in letting the situation escalate.
A political angle has emerged over chancellor Ashok Mittal's reported switch from AAP to BJP , which the Dean said warrants investigation.
Classes at LPU are suspended for 10 days , with the administration pledging no disruption to the academic syllabus.
Lovely Professional University (LPU) Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal on Tuesday, 29 September blamed 'outsiders' and 'anti-social elements' for the violent protests and widespread vandalism at the university campus in Phagwara, Punjab, and characterised the sexual assault allegations that reportedly triggered the demonstrations as 'social media rumours.' The statement comes amid ongoing police investigations and a 10-day suspension of classes at one of India's largest private universities.
What the Dean Said
'I would describe it—more or less—as a situation where rumours and misleading messages were circulated; the students genuinely wanted to know the facts. But on the other hand, some students didn't want to think or understand the situation,' Dr Lakhanpal said in a statement.
He further alleged that certain individuals used the unrest as an opportunity. 'They were looking for an opportunity...I always refer to them as anti-social elements or outsiders—those who turned this into a violent protest and vandalised our university. Investigation must be conducted; their names should be revealed, and appropriate action must be taken,' he added.
University's Response to Student Demands
Dr Lakhanpal maintained that the administration had acted promptly on every demand made by protesting students. A committee was formed as requested, CCTV footage was reviewed, and hostel inspections were carried out. 'We have stood by them from the very first night, listening to their concerns and acting exactly as they requested,' he said.
He also noted that senior students and alumni expressed distress over the vandalism, calling it damaging to the institution's reputation.
Police Probe and CBI Demand
On the question of who circulated the alleged sexual assault message, Dr Lakhanpal said the police's cyber cell is investigating the matter. 'It will reveal the phone numbers, IP addresses, and locations involved in the circulation. And I am sure that action will be taken against those involved,' he stated.
He also called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, saying: 'Let the police carry out their inquiry—we are fine with that. But if the CBI investigates, we would feel more assured. And it would help in reaching those involved as quickly as possible.'
Notably, Dr Lakhanpal also suggested the police had been 'somewhat negligent', which, he alleged, allowed the situation to escalate to the point where fire broke out, vehicles were torched, and stones were pelted on campus.
Political Angle Surfaces
Allegations have also emerged linking the unrest to the political shift of LPU founder and chancellor Ashok Mittal, who reportedly switched his affiliation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dr Lakhanpal did not dismiss the angle, instead calling for an investigation. 'This matter certainly needs to be investigated. Once the facts are established, appropriate action must be taken against those found guilty,' he said.
What Happens Next
Classes at LPU remain suspended for 10 days, though the administration has assured students that the academic syllabus will not be adversely affected. Student representatives are also reportedly reviewing the developments. Police, the civil administration, and the university administration are all conducting parallel inquiries. Whether the CBI takes up the case will likely depend on directions from higher authorities. The outcome of the cyber cell investigation into the viral message is expected to be a key turning point in the matter.
Point of View
Attribute blame externally, and demand a higher-level probe — but it leaves the core question unanswered: how did a single unverified social media message bring one of India's largest universities to a standstill? The political subplot, involving the chancellor's reported switch from AAP to BJP, introduces a dimension that investigators cannot ignore. The demand for a CBI inquiry is notable precisely because it comes from the university itself — a sign that even the administration does not fully trust the local police process. Until the cyber cell traces the origin of the viral message, both the 'rumour conspiracy' narrative and the legitimate student grievances remain unresolved.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the violent protests at LPU's Phagwara campus?
The protests were reportedly triggered by a viral social media message alleging that a female student had been sexually assaulted on campus. LPU Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal has described the assault allegations as 'social media rumours,' and the police cyber cell is investigating who circulated the original message.
What did LPU Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal say about the violence?
Dr Lakhanpal blamed 'outsiders' and 'anti-social elements' for inciting the violence and vandalising the campus, while maintaining that genuine students were already satisfied with the university's response. He also called for a CBI probe and suggested the local police were 'somewhat negligent' in controlling the situation.
Has a CBI probe been ordered into the LPU campus violence?
As of 29 September 2026, no CBI probe has been formally ordered. The demand was made by LPU Dean Dr Sorabh Lakhanpal himself, who said a CBI investigation would provide greater assurance in identifying those responsible. Police, civil administration, and the university are currently conducting parallel inquiries.
What is the political angle in the LPU protest controversy?
Allegations have surfaced suggesting the unrest may be linked to LPU founder and chancellor Ashok Mittal's reported switch in political affiliation from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Dean Dr Lakhanpal did not deny the possibility and called for it to be investigated.
Are classes at LPU currently suspended?
Yes, classes at Lovely Professional University have been suspended for 10 days following the violent protests. The administration has assured students that measures will be taken to ensure the academic syllabus is not adversely affected by the disruption.
