New Delhi: The Chairman of the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB), Prof. Salim Engineer, has expressed concern over the unrest at Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, following allegations of sexual assault involving a female student. LPU has denied the allegation and described the claims as false and fabricated. Police have registered an FIR against an unidentified person and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. The police have said that CCTV, forensic and phone data will be examined.
In a statement to the media, Prof. Salim Engineer, Chairman, Markazi Taleemi Board, said: “We urge the university administration and the Punjab Government to ensure a transparent investigation while keeping student safety and education at the centre of their response. Whatever the outcome of the investigation, the immediate concern must be the safety and well-being of students. Every allegation concerning student safety deserves a fair and evidence-based investigation, while unverified information and violence must not be allowed to take the place of due process. We also urge LPU to strengthen campus and hostel safety mechanisms and provide students with clear channels for reporting concerns.”
Prof. Salim Engineer further stated: “Article 21 of the Constitution protects life and personal liberty, while Article 21A reflects the constitutional importance of education. Students should not bear the long-term consequences of a campus crisis. The university must ensure that the disruption does not result in serious learning loss. We urge the Punjab Government to ensure that the investigation is conducted promptly and impartially, and call upon LPU to prepare an academic recovery plan for missed classes and postponed examinations. Students have every right to seek answers and accountability, but their concerns must find peaceful and institutional channels. The priority now should be truth, safety, restoration of trust and continuity of education.”
