Punjab Police Refutes Allegations of Rape, Calls Protests Based on Misinformation
The Punjab Police has denied the claims surrounding the alleged rape of a private college student, which had sparked violent protests in Lahore. Officials have confirmed that “there is no victim” linked to the allegations, emphasizing that the reports circulating on social media were unfounded.
Protests Turn Violent in Lahore
On Monday, a group of students gathered outside a private college in Lahore’s Gulberg area to protest following viral reports on social media about the alleged rape of a female student. The protest escalated into a clash between students and police, leaving 28 people injured, including 24 students and 4 police officers. While the initial protest subsided, demonstrators planned to resume their demonstration the following day.
Arrest and Denial of Allegations
In response to the allegations, police arrested a college security guard accused of raping the student. However, the suspect denied the accusations, and police investigations have so far failed to produce any evidence to support the claim.
ASP Shehrbano Naqvi’s Clarification
Speaking to Geo Pakistan, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shehrbano Naqvi clarified that the girl being named in the allegations had been hospitalized for 10 days prior to the reported incident due to an unrelated fall at home. Naqvi stated that medical reports and hospital records confirmed the girl’s injuries were from a domestic accident and that the college administration was aware of the situation.
The ASP further explained that there are two students with the same name in the college—one hospitalized and the other perfectly fine. She urged anyone with legitimate concerns to come forward, stating, “Why would the police shy away from registering an FIR if there was a victim?”
Fake News and Call for Evidence
Police have called on individuals spreading these “fake” reports to provide evidence or videos to substantiate their claims. ASP Naqvi also dismissed rumors about deleted CCTV footage, stating that no such evidence has been found.
Ongoing Protests
Despite heavy police presence, students staged a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly. The protest was organized by the Progressive Students Collective, which included students from various colleges and universities. Demonstrators held placards demanding justice and the formation of a human rights committee to address harassment and related issues in educational institutions.
Protests also spread to other cities in the province, including Multan, Jahanian, and Zafarwal, where students demonstrated against alleged harassment. Some protests turned violent, with reports of vandalism in Multan and students setting tires ablaze in Zafarwal.
Girl’s Family Denies Rape Allegations
As protests continued, the girl’s family came forward to deny the rape allegations. In a video message with ASP Naqvi, the girl’s father and uncle—both wearing masks—stated that there had been no sexual assault and that their daughter was hospitalized due to a back injury from a fall at home. The family expressed surprise over the protests and urged people to stop spreading false information.
Punjab CM Forms Probe Committee
In light of the controversy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter. The six-member body, led by the Punjab chief secretary, will examine the case, including the response of the college administration and the actions taken by police. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the chief minister within 48 hours.
The unfolding situation in Lahore, with allegations of rape and subsequent violent protests, has raised serious concerns. However, with no evidence supporting the claims and the victim’s family denying the allegations, the protests appear to be driven by misinformation. The ongoing investigation by the Punjab government aims to bring clarity and justice to the situation.