Punjab police have dismissed claims about the alleged rape of a private college student, stating that “there is no victim” connected to the accusations that led to a violent protest in Lahore.
On Monday, students gathered outside the college to protest after rumors of a female student’s rape spread on social media. The protest quickly turned violent, with clashes between students and the police, leaving at least 28 people injured. The protest was called off later in the day, with plans to resume it the next day.
Police had arrested a college security guard after he was accused of the rape. However, the suspect denied the charges, and the police found no evidence to support the claim. An investigation into the matter is still ongoing.
ASP Shehrbano Naqvi
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shehrbano Naqvi, speaking to Geo Pakistan, said the girl in question had been hospitalized 10 days before the alleged incident. “Her medical records are available, and the details about her fall at home while preparing for school are documented,” Naqvi explained.
The officer clarified that two students at the college share the same name, which caused confusion. One of the girls is in the hospital, recovering from an injury, while the other is healthy. Naqvi emphasized that no other victim has come forward. She urged any family who believes their child was harmed to contact the police, stating, “Why would the police hesitate to register an FIR?”
The ASP also called on students spreading false information to provide videos or evidence of the alleged rape, as no such evidence has been presented so far. When asked about claims that CCTV footage had been deleted, Naqvi said the police have no information about such footage and encouraged anyone with evidence to step forward.
Victim’s Family
The girl’s family also publicly denied the rape allegations. In a video message alongside ASP Naqvi, the girl’s father and uncle, wearing masks, stated, “There has been no sexual assault on our daughter.” They expressed surprise at the ongoing protests, clarifying that the girl is in the hospital’s ICU for a back injury she sustained from a fall at home.
ASP Naqvi requested the public to avoid spreading false reports and assured that the police would take action if there was any credible evidence of wrongdoing.
In response to the protests and allegations, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter. The six-member committee, led by the Punjab chief secretary, includes officials from the home department, Higher Education department, and healthcare sectors. The body has been tasked with reviewing the incident and the actions taken by both the college administration and the police.
The committee is expected to submit its findings to the Chief Minister within 48 hours. Authorities hope the probe will clarify the facts and put an end to the unrest in Lahore.
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