Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress parties have launched a fierce attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's handling of violent protests that erupted at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara after a student allegedly accused of sexual assault, leading to arson and a prolonged blockade of the Jalandhar‑Phagwara National Highway.
The Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, said police tried dialogue first, used minimal force, and registered an FIR while forming a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations and any conspiracy behind the incidents.
Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Akali Dal, slammed the presence of walkie‑talkies and weapons on campus, alleging outsiders were involved and demanding a central probe, while Bikram Singh Majithia accused the Mann government of failing to maintain peace and questioned police's handling of armed protestors.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal targeted the police's use of lathicharge, claiming students were hit and dragged, and warned that the incident could tarnish Punjab's law‑and‑order image.
The government maintains it is conducting a thorough investigation, has ordered police to take strict action against those found responsible, and has asked DGP Yadav to assess the situation on the ground.
The next step will be a hearing of the Special Investigation Team, with the state government preparing to present its findings to the Chief Minister and possibly forwarding the matter to central authorities for a formal inquiry.