PUNJAB POLICE YET TO IDENTIFY ALLEGED VICTIM OR ACCUSED IN LPU RAPE CASE

September 28, 2026

Punjab Police have made limited progress in investigating an alleged rape case at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara, with investigators yet to identify the alleged victim or any suspected perpetrator. The case triggered widespread student protests over the weekend, which escalated into violence, property damage and the blocking of a national highway. An FIR has been registered, and a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to examine the allegations.

According to police officials, students who were questioned during the preliminary investigation have so far been unable to provide information that could establish the identity of the alleged victim. The complaint reportedly stated that the incident took place three or four days before the protests at Girls’ Hostel 3. Several hostel room numbers were subsequently mentioned as possible locations, but police said they found nothing suspicious in the first room examined. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the hostel and surrounding areas.

The FIR was registered at Satnampura police station under Section 63 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to rape, against an unidentified person. The SIT, led by the Phagwara Superintendent of Police, is examining the available evidence, with student representatives included in the investigation process. Police have said that forensic material, surveillance recordings and other relevant evidence will be assessed to establish the facts.

The allegations prompted students to accuse the university administration of failing to act on the reported incident. The protests subsequently turned violent, with police reporting that at least three personnel were injured after stones and other objects were thrown at them. Videos circulating online also appeared to show students being beaten during police action. The unrest disrupted traffic on the Delhi–Amritsar National Highway and led to damage to university property.

LPU has denied the allegations, describing the claims circulating on social media as false and fabricated, and has urged students and parents to rely on official communications. The university has suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations until further notice. Police are also conducting a separate investigation into the reported death by suicide of a female student from Telangana, examining whether any evidence of foul play exists.

The investigation into the alleged assault remains ongoing, and police have yet to establish whether the reported offence occurred. Authorities have stated that the inquiry will continue until the available evidence is examined and the allegations are addressed.