A reported rape at a private college in Lahore has ignited a wave of student protests and raised conflicting accounts as authorities investigate the validity of the claims. Despite widespread demonstrations and boycotts of classes, police assert that the alleged incident remains unverified, with no official report filed by the alleged victim or her family.
The protesting students of the private college accused the university’s administration of not only taking no action against the clerk who had harassed two students but also covering up the incidents of rape.
The unrest began following unconfirmed social media reports implicating a security guard in the alleged assault. In response, police arrested the guard, but Lahore’s DIG Operations Faisal Kamran clarified that no official complaints had been lodged, either with the police helpline, the relevant station, or the college administration.
Protests erupted outside the Gulberg campus, with students clashing with security personnel who attempted to lock down the premises. Protesters vandalized campus property, damaging CCTV cameras and the entrance register. The unrest spread to a nearby campus, where female students blocked Canal Road, alleging that a security guard attacked both a male and female student. The injured were taken to a hospital for treatment.
The local police, including the anti riot force, were deployed in and outside to control the unrest. Attempts to negotiate with the students initially failed, leading to a confrontation between police officers and protesters. In the ensuing clash, 10 students and four police officers were injured. Rescue teams provided medical aid to the injured students, staff, and law enforcement personnel.
Despite these tensions, DIG Kamran emphasized that the rape allegation remains unverified. A check of records from several private hospitals revealed no admissions matching the claims. While the accused guard is in custody, he denies involvement, and CCTV footage has provided no supporting evidence.
Authorities continue to urge students not to rely on rumors and to contact the police if they have credible information about the incident.
