Female student ‘rape’: 250 arrested as violent protests continue in Punjab

RAWALPINDI: Police have arrested over 250 people in connection with violent protests sparked by allegations of the rape of a female student at a private college in Lahore.

Authorities have been identifying and apprehending suspects using video footage. The number of those detained has reached 250, with more arrests expected.

Police clarified that not all detainees are students, with some non-student elements involved in vandalism and other unlawful activities under the cover of the protests. They assured the public that the situation in the city is now under control and has returned to normal.

On Thursday, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz categorically denied reports of an on-campus rape, calling the story “fabricated” and accusing it of being used to incite students via social media.

In a press conference, she emphasized that the incident never occurred and accused political opponents, specifically the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), of spreading the rumors for political gain. Nawaz claimed, “The girl is not a rape victim, but a victim of bad politics and conspiracy.”

The rumors initially gained traction on social media last week, leading to the arrest of a college security guard. Police confirmed the suspect was in custody and that an investigation was ongoing. However, CM Maryam Nawaz reiterated today that the alleged rape was baseless and politically motivated.

Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken action against those spreading false information about the case online, which caused public unrest. Additionally, CM Nawaz formed a high-level committee to investigate the incident.

The father of the girl who was allegedly assaulted by a security guard at the college refuted the claims, stating that his daughter’s injury occurred at home when she slipped, requiring ICU admission.

He expressed frustration that protests were being carried out in his daughter’s name, saying, “Our daughter is being used as the basis for protests, which have no connection to her.” He further explained that he had provided the police with his daughter’s medical records.