Party leader Anil Sareen holds Punjab government responsible for law-and-order situation as police and university authorities investigate campus violence
Chandigarh, Sept 2026 : Punjab BJP General Secretary Anil Sareen on Monday criticised the violence at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara and demanded a high-level, impartial investigation into the incidents of vandalism and arson that erupted on the campus during student protests.
Sareen held the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government responsible for the law-and-order situation, alleging that people from outside the university had entered the campus, some allegedly carrying weapons, and attempted to enter girls' hostels.
He questioned how outsiders could enter the university premises and allegedly indulge in vandalism and arson despite the presence of police personnel. Sareen also said it was difficult to believe that students would themselves set fire to classrooms and laboratories where they studied.
The BJP leader raised questions over the police response, alleging that outsiders were able to enter the campus, damage property and leave while law enforcement personnel remained largely spectators. He said the safety of students should have been the administration's primary responsibility.
Sareen also criticised the state government's political conduct, alleging that political differences within the ruling party had contributed to attempts to target individuals who chose to leave or oppose it. He demanded strict action against anyone found responsible for the violence after an impartial investigation.
The allegations come amid a broader investigation into violent protests at LPU following unverified reports concerning the alleged sexual assault of a female student by an outsider. The university has denied that the alleged assault occurred on campus and described the reports as false and fabricated. Police have registered a case against an unidentified person and formed a Special Investigation Team to examine the allegations.
LPU authorities have also attributed the violence to the presence of alleged outsiders and said steps were being taken to strengthen security and restore normalcy on the campus. However, the precise role of outsiders in the violence remains under investigation.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav visited the university on Monday following Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's directions. Yadav reviewed the security situation and said the police would conduct a scientific investigation into the arson and vandalism. Police are examining CCTV footage and videos available on social media to identify those involved.
The violence had resulted in damage to university property and the burning of police vehicles. Students had also blocked the Jalandhar-Phagwara National Highway during the protests. LPU subsequently suspended regular classes for 10 days and postponed mid-term examinations. A large number of students began leaving the campus amid heightened security and continuing concerns over safety.
Police have also clarified that individuals seen carrying walkie-talkies during the unrest were identified as Army personnel who had come to check on the safety of their children, rather than unidentified intruders.
With the investigation still underway, authorities are examining the circumstances that triggered the protests, the spread of unverified claims and the involvement of individuals in the subsequent vandalism and arson.
