Police have arrested over 200 people, mostly students according to reports, in connection with violent protests sparked by claims of the alleged rape of a female student at a private college in Lahore. Authorities confirmed that suspects are being identified and detained through video footage.
The police later clarified that not all arrested individuals are students; some non-student elements were involved in vandalism and other unlawful activities during the demonstrations. Despite the unrest, officials assured that the situation in the city has now returned to normal.
Yesterday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz firmly rejected the claims of an on-campus rape, calling it a “fabricated story” intended to incite students through social media. During a press conference in Lahore, she stated that the incident never took place and accused certain groups of spreading false rumors to tarnish the government’s image.
“The girl is not a rape victim, but a victim of bad politics and conspiracy,” Nawaz said, alleging that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was behind the misinformation for political gains.
The allegations first circulated last week on social media, leading to the arrest of a college security guard. Police confirmed the suspect is in custody, but after further investigation, Nawaz has dismissed the entire incident as false.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has begun action against those responsible for spreading misinformation on social media, which contributed to public unrest. Additionally, a high-level committee was formed by Nawaz to probe the initial claims.