At least 27 people were injured when students clashed with a college’s security team in Lahore during a protest against the alleged on-campus rape of a female student, rescue officials reported on Monday.
The incident followed the arrest of a security guard a day earlier, after allegations of the rape surfaced on social media. According to the police, the suspect had been detained and an investigation was ongoing, but no First Information Report (FIR) had been filed as the victim’s family had yet to come forward.
Angered by the alleged assault, students rallied on social media and organized protests outside various colleges in the city. One protest turned violent when demonstrators clashed with a college security team, leading to multiple injuries.
Rescue 1122 issued a statement saying the clash occurred at the Hafeez Centre Punjab College Campus. “Twenty-seven individuals were injured in the confrontation, and rescue teams provided first aid on the scene,” the statement read. “One student, who was seriously injured, was taken to Services Hospital Lahore.”
Investigation Launched
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Faisal Kamran stated that the police were working to locate the victim and her family to proceed with the investigation.
“So far, the allegations that went viral on social media have not been verified,” Kamran said, adding that the investigation was still ongoing.
He explained that the protesting students had demanded the principal’s custody following the alleged incident. “The superintendent of police (SP) Model Town and assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Model Town safely evacuated the principal.”
Kamran also mentioned that both the SP and ASP, along with several police officers, had been injured by stone-pelting students during the protest. He added that some students had received minor injuries in the clash with the college’s security team and were given medical attention.
The DIG further said that all hospital records and college CCTV footage had been reviewed, but the alleged incident could not be confirmed. “We have not yet identified the victim, but efforts to locate her and her family are ongoing,” he added.
Kamran emphasized that the police were maintaining contact with both students and the college administration, ensuring that the investigation remained transparent and fair.
He assured the public that the police were following the Punjab government’s orders and had not acted harshly toward the protesters. “Once we find concrete evidence, legal action will be taken immediately, and any developments will be communicated promptly.”
Education Minister’s Assurance
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat visited the college and promised justice to the protesting students. He assured them that action would be taken against the principal and college administration if allegations of tampering with evidence, such as deleting photos or videos, were proven.
“If necessary, we will not hesitate to seal the college or revoke its registration,” Hayat stated. He also instructed the police to refrain from using force against the protesters after students raised concerns about police violence.
Hayat expressed his support for the students, assuring them they would not face expulsion, despite any threats they might have received from the administration.
College Registration Suspended
In response to the alleged incident, the Punjab government suspended the college’s registration, as per a notification dated October 14, a copy of which was obtained by Dawn.com. The Directorate of Public Instruction (Colleges), Punjab, issued the suspension notice for Punjab College for Women “until further orders.”
Meanwhile, the Punjab Group of Colleges released a statement denying any rape had occurred, citing a “thorough and impartial” investigation by law enforcement agencies. The statement addressed the “false claims circulating on social media” and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to transparency, despite the lack of credible evidence supporting the allegations.
“We have implemented strict security protocols to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” the statement added.
