A police crackdown unfolded on student protesters at a private college in Lahore after reports emerged of an alleged rape of a female student.
The situation escalated into a significant demonstration, leading to clashes between students and security personnel that left several individuals injured.
Yesterday, in response to the uproar, authorities arrested a security guard implicated in the alleged assault, following the incident's widespread circulation on social media.
Today, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran addressed the media, stating that the news of the alleged assault went viral on social media, prompting an immediate police response.
The accused, a security guard, has been taken into custody, although the details of the incident remain unverified.
Kamran added that Lahore police are actively searching for the alleged victim and her family, with assistance from the college administration and students.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the college to gather more information, but so far, no confirmation of the alleged assault has been established.
In the wake of the incident, angry students staged protests demanding the accountability of the college principal.
During the protests, clashes led to injuries among police officials and students alike, with some requiring medical attention. However, officials have assured that no student’s life is in danger contrary to social media rumors.
Kamran promised ongoing communication with the protesters to reach the truth and requested their cooperation in the investigation.
Father's statement of alleged girl
The father of a girl allegedly assaulted by a security guard at a private college has spoken to police, stating that the ongoing protests in his daughter's name are unfounded.
"Our daughter is being used as a basis for protests, which has no connection to her," he asserted. He explained that his daughter had slipped at home, resulting in a back injury that necessitated her admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
"We have provided the police with our daughter's medical reports," he added, expressing disbelief after viewing footage of the protests concerning his daughter. "Those who have daughters can feel this pain," he emphasised.
In response to the situation, ASP Defence Shahrbano Naqvi made a public appeal to avoid spreading misinformation. "I urge the public not to target anyone's family based on incorrect news," she said.
Naqvi confirmed that if a tragic incident were to occur involving a sister or daughter, the police would certainly register a case under their own initiative. "However, verified information is essential for registering a case," she stated.
She warned that law and order situations should not be created based on false reports. "We cannot allow misinformation to disrupt the peace," ASP Naqvi concluded.
College's response
The college, named in the social media posts, has released a statement in response to the alleged rape incident.
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