27 injured as students clash with security, police in Lahore protest over alleged rape
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- October 15, 2024
- 1:30 pm
- 33
A major protest at a Lahore college injured at least twenty-seven people. Students clashed with the college’s security team and the police. The protest was due to the alleged on-campus rape of a female student. It has outraged the city and gained attention on social media. The incident has led to both physical confrontations and public demands for justice.
The Incident That Sparked the Protests
The conflict began after news of the alleged rape of a girl on the Punjab College campus went viral on social media. In response, a security guard was arrested, and an investigation was launched. However, no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed. According to police, the victim’s family has not lodged a complaint yet. The lack of an official complaint didn’t stop the student body from taking action. Mobilizing on social media, students organized protests outside multiple colleges in Lahore. The protests quickly turned violent. Students clashed with the college’s security and the police while demanding justice.
Clashes and Injuries
The protests at the Hafeez Centre Punjab College Campus turned violent. At least twenty-seven people were injured. Rescue 1122 confirmed that they aided the injured. One student was severely injured. They were transferred to Services Hospital in Lahore. The situation worsened when students threw stones at the police. This caused more injuries on both sides. The police reported that several officers, including senior officials, were hurt in the clashes. Despite the violence, law enforcement tried to avoid escalation. They refrained from using harsh measures against the protesters.
Questions and Criticism from Rights Groups
The alleged incident has drawn criticism from various rights groups. In particular, Aurat March has called for swift justice. The group questioned the silence of Punjab’s officials and demanded action from the government.
“How long until members of the Punjab Government take action against this atrocity? We demand answers from the government officials,” Aurat March declared in a statement.
The investigation is ongoing. There are concerns about its transparency and speed. Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran said they are trying to find the victim and her family. However, social media claims about an alleged rape are unverified. This leaves many questions about the case.
Investigation In Progress
DIG Kamran said at a press conference that police checked hospital records and college CCTV. They could not confirm the alleged incident. He assured the public. The investigation was being closely monitored. Any new developments would be communicated immediately. Kamran also emphasized that legal action would be taken as soon as concrete evidence was found. Students, however, continued to demand the principal’s resignation. They accused the administration of negligence. The police have evacuated the principal from the premises for his own safety.
Response from Authorities
Punjab’s Education Minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, visited the college. He addressed the protesting students. He assured them that justice would be served. If any allegations of wrongdoing, including deleting evidence, were true, action would be taken. Hayat also told the police to avoid excessive force. Students complained about police violence during the protests. The situation escalated further when the Punjab Government announced that the college’s registration had been temporarily suspended, pending further investigation. This suspension is seen as a direct response to the growing public pressure and the severity of the accusations. The Punjab Group of Colleges denied the rape allegations. They said an impartial probe found no evidence to support the claims. They condemned the “false claims on social media.” They vowed to sue those who are spreading misinformation.
No FIR Yet
Punjab Information Minister, Azma Bokhari, shared that the provincial government, which is led by Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, was closely monitoring the situation. Despite inquiries, no girl has filed a complaint. This complicates the investigation. Bokhari stressed the need to protect the victim’s privacy. He discouraged displaying any posters or pictures of the victim. This incident comes amid growing concerns over rising sexual violence in the region. A recent report by the Sustainable Social Development Organization found a 14.5% rise in violence against women in 2023. Over 10,000 cases were registered. The rise in such incidents has fueled the public’s demand for swift justice and harsher penalties for offenders.
Conclusion
The city’s shaken by violent protests at Punjab College after a student’s alleged rape. Twenty-seven people were injured, and questions about the incident remain. The investigation is ongoing. Students and rights groups demand quick action from authorities. As the situation develops, we must ensure justice for the victim. We must also address the larger issue of sexual violence in the region.
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