Violent protest erupts at Lahore’s Punjab College over alleged student’s rape

LAHORE: Violent protest erupted outside a Punjab College in Lahore’s Gulberg area on Monday over the alleged rape of a first-year female student by the college’s security guard.

Students protested, leading to clashes with security guards who attempted to lock down classrooms and gates. In response, students outraged damaging property and CCTV cameras. Some students also set some college property on fire, while the police force attempted to evict the students from the premises.

While students staged demonstrations to demand justice for their fellow, Lahore police, including the anti-riot force, were deployed to control the unrest. Police baton-charged protesters to disperse them leading to the clashes, which resulted in injuring 10 students and four police officials.

The protesters also gathered outside the Muslim Town and Johar Town campuses of the private college demanding justice for the female students. As the situation escalated in the area, Lahore police closed Jail Road for traffic due to protests.

The protestors also gathered outside the Hafeez Centre in Gulberg area of the provincial capital.

Following the backlash and demonstration, the Punjab govt suspended the registration of Punjab College for Women, 43 & 43-A, Block-E-I, Gulberg-III, Lahore, till further orders.

The Directorate of Public Instruction (Colleges) issued the suspension of the registration certificate of the college.

On Sunday, police arrested the suspect following unconfirmed reports alleging a security guard’s involvement in the rape. Following the incident, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran quickly formed a special team to apprehend the suspect, who had fled the area.

Punjab College denies allegations

In a statement issued on Monday, the Punjab Group of Colleges denied the false claims regarding the alleged rape of a female student at one of its campuses.

The college said, “Following a thorough and impartial investigation by law enforcement authorities, we can confirm that no such incident has been reported to the police or our campus administration, and no student, parent, or guardian has raised concerns.”

“Despite the lack of credible evidence supporting these allegations, we remain fully committed to transparency and will continue to work closely with the authorities to ensure a fair and thorough process,” the statement added.

A female student of International Relations at Punjab University, hailing from Sialkot, committed suicide in hostel number 8 at night.