FIR registered over 'misinformation'

LAHORE:

A case has been registered at Lahore's Defence A Police Station after a fabricated video falsely claimed that a female college student had been raped, sparking widespread concern and unrest across the city.

Despite initial public outrage, police investigations and a high-powered committee established by the Punjab government revealed that the claims were baseless. The viral video, which circulated widely on social media, alleged that a student from a private college in Lahore had been sexually assaulted.

The claims triggered protests and acts of vandalism as misinformation spread. However, the alleged victim and her family promptly denied the rumors, clarifying that the girl had suffered injuries due to a fall at home on October 2.

Medical records from General and Ittefaq Hospitals confirmed that she had been hospitalized and prescribed bed rest following the accident.

Despite the medical evidence, rumours of an assault continued to proliferate online. In response, the police filed a First Information Report (FIR) asserting that the false claims were part of a deliberate attempt to defame the girl's family.

The Punjab government formed a high-powered investigative committee, led by the Punjab Secretary of Interior to probe the situation. On Tuesday, the committee visited the girl's home and interviewed her and her parents.

During the inquiry, statements were recorded from 36 individuals, including the Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, the college principal, security personnel, and other students.

The police also reviewed CCTV footage from the college, which showed no evidence of any assault or suspicious activity.

Several arrests have already been made, including that of advocate Faisal Jutt, who falsely claimed the girl had died.