LEGAL

Lahore Students Protest Over Alleged Rape at Private College as Police Investigate

Students protest in Lahore over alleged rape at a private college as police investigate. No confirmation yet, but tensions rise with clashes between police and protesters.
2024-10-14
Lahore Students Protest Over Alleged Rape at Private College as Police Investigate

Intense protests erupted in Lahore on Monday as students from a private college took to the streets, demanding justice for a fellow student who was allegedly raped by a college security guard. The incident has sparked outrage, but Lahore police have yet to confirm the claims, leading to a tense standoff between protesting students and law enforcement.

 

The situation came to a head when students gathered outside the college on Canal Road near Muslim Town Mor, demanding answers and accountability from the authorities. What began as a peaceful protest quickly turned violent as a clash broke out between the students and the police. Several students and police officers were injured in the ensuing chaos, with one student seriously hurt after being struck by a glass object during the altercation.

 

Rescue 1122 officials confirmed that 28 people were injured during the protests, including 24 students and 4 police officers. The injured were provided first aid on the scene. Rescue officials also reported that one protester collapsed and required urgent medical assistance, while two other students were reportedly beaten by the college security guard during the protests and later taken to a hospital for treatment.

 

The protests stem from allegations that a female student was raped by a security guard at the private college's Gulberg branch. The news spread rapidly among students and on social media, igniting a wave of anger and demands for immediate action. However, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Operations, the police have not yet confirmed the rape. “We are thoroughly investigating the incident, but so far, no evidence has been found to support the allegations. The security guard is in police custody and denies any involvement,” said the DIG.

 

DIG Operations added that there is no record of the female student being admitted to any of the four or five private hospitals they checked, and no evidence of the alleged assault was found in the college’s CCTV footage. He urged students to refrain from believing rumors and to cooperate with the police if anyone had more information. “If there is any victim, they should come forward, and the police will fully cooperate,” he assured.

 

Despite the lack of confirmation, the allegations have set off widespread concern, particularly among the student body. Many students remain distrustful of the official narrative and are calling for a more transparent investigation. They argue that delays in acknowledging the incident have exacerbated the situation and demand that the authorities take the accusations seriously.

 

The incident has drawn attention to the security and safety of students in educational institutions, particularly in private colleges. As the investigation continues, tensions remain high, with students planning more protests if their demands for justice are not met. For now, the police have increased security in the area, while appeals for calm and patience have been made by local officials.

 

The unfolding events have cast a spotlight on the urgency of addressing such sensitive allegations and the need for a balanced and thorough investigation that respects both due process and the concerns of the affected student body.