Protest at Punjab's LPU turns dramatic as students climb atop MiG-23, tank on campus

PTC News Desk: Some dramatic scenes unfolded at Lovely Professional University in Punjab's Jalandhar district after some students climbed onto an Indian Air Force MiG-23UM aircraft while a group of around 10 students was seen on top of a military tank installed on the campus.

The incident unfolded early Sunday after hundreds of protesters gathered at the private university in Phagwara following reports that a student had allegedly been raped on campus by an outsider.

Also Read: From Chitkara to LPU: Why private universities in Punjab hit by protests just ahead of assembly elections

The substantial evidence however has not been established yet to fully corroborate the allegations levelled by the students. Police said that an FIR on the sexual assault complaint has been registered and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to investigate the matter. 

#WATCH | Jalandhar, Punjab: Students hold protest at Lovely Professional University (LPU)

Dr. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Vice Chancellor of LPU, says, "The police registered an FIR based on the students' allegations. All necessary support will be provided. Five students have been… https://t.co/IEWXNrr3Rz pic.twitter.com/EJlAYzYRvs

— ANI (@ANI) September 27, 2026

What are the students demanding?

• Accused must be arrested
• Accountability and investigation into rape-suicide cases
• Appointment of only female staff in girls hostel
• Apology from warden and resignation
• Appointment of student president

Campus unrest

Videos from the university campus showed large groups of students protesting and raising slogans. Other footage showed broken window panes and damaged flower pots, while some objects and parts of a university building appeared to be on fire. Some campus shops were also allegedly vandalised.

Police said the unrest began near the university’s girls’ hostel at around 1 am.

Students alleged that a university student was raped on September 24. They claimed the alleged assault involved a plumber or construction worker and that the hostel warden had been informed but no action was taken.

Kapurthala SSP Gaurav Toora said police initially found that rumours had led to the gathering of students. He said officers also spoke to students who had grievances against the LPU administration and were working to address their concerns. He added that the situation was under control.

Later, Jalandhar Range DIG Naveen Singla said police had received the student’s statement and registered a case in connection with the allegation.

“We have now received the information and her statement, and a case has been registered,” he said.

- PTC NEWS

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