LAHORE: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Thursday extended the physical remand of a woman accused of spreading fake news about an alleged rape at a private college in Lahore. The accused, identified as Sara Khan, reportedly posed as the mother of the supposed victim and shared false claims on social media, inciting public outrage and agitation among students.
Police Request Extension of Remand
Police presented Sara Khan before the ATC judge and requested an extension of her physical remand. Investigators informed the court that they had recovered one mobile phone allegedly used by Khan to spread the fake news. However, they mentioned that another mobile phone remains unrecovered and is essential for their investigation.
The investigating officers stated that supposed victim’s mother extended remand is necessary to gather more evidence and trace her activities. ATC judge Arshad Javed approved a six-day extension after reviewing the police request. The court ordered police to present the suspect again on November 7.
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Case Details and Charges
The case against Sara Khan is registered under the Pakistan Electronic Crime Act (PECA) 2016 at Gulberg police station. Khan’s alleged activities stem from a viral TikTok video she posted, claiming that a rape incident occurred at the private college. Her video spread widely across social media, prompting student protests and adding fuel to an already tense situation.
Following Khan’s video, the Operational Command Unit (OCU) Model Town police took action, arresting her on allegations of misinformation. Police suspect her claims created public unrest and harmed the reputation of the college.
FIA Investigates Social Media Campaign
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) also became involved, booking 20 other suspects, including journalists and social media activists. These individuals are accused of running a malicious social media campaign against the college. FIA’s complaint, filed by the college principal, Saadia Javed, claims the campaign severely damaged the institution’s reputation.
According to the complaint, these accused individuals propagated false information, causing distress among students and parents. The principal’s statement emphasizes the reputational damage and unnecessary public alarm triggered by the campaign.
FIR and Findings in the Investigation
The First Information Report (FIR) filed in the case states that investigators found no evidence to support the rape claims or even the existence of a victim. Police reported that CCTV footage from the college grounds and statements from a security guard provided no indication of any criminal activity as alleged.
In the FIR, investigators noted that Khan’s false claims incited students to protest, resulting in significant disruption at the college. “The accused created unrest among students with their false claims,” the FIR reads, underscoring the far-reaching effects of Khan’s actions on campus.
Court Orders Further Investigation
With the remand extension approved, police will continue their investigation into Sara Khan’s involvement and the alleged campaign against the college. The court ordered the police to present her in court on November 7 after completing the required inquiries. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover further details of Khan’s activities and identify other individuals who may have contributed to the spread of misinformation regarding the alleged incident.
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