Incident

• On October 11, 2024, allegations emerged that a security guard at PGC had raped a first-year female student. This claim quickly went viral on social media, leading to public outcry and student protests across Lahore.
• In response to the allegations, police arrested the security guard on October 15, but conflicting reports about the incident began to surface almost immediately.

Protests and Clashes

• Following the allegations, students organized protests demanding justice for the alleged victim. These demonstrations escalated into clashes with college security and police, resulting in injuries to at least 27 individuals during confrontations on October 14.
• The protests highlighted frustrations regarding campus safety and accountability from the college administration. Many demonstrators accused the college of attempting to cover up the incident.

College Administration Response

• The Punjab Group of Colleges issued statements denying any incident of rape, attributing the uproar to “false claims circulating on social media.” They emphasized their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students.
• In light of the public response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz formed a seven-member investigation committee to investigate the matter. This committee is tasked with gathering evidence and submitting findings within 48 hours.

Punjab government’s take

• Initial investigations conducted by the committee revealed that the alleged victim’s family denied any assault had occurred. They stated that their daughter had suffered a fall at home rather than being assaulted, and they expressed distress over the false information circulating online.
• The police have stated that no formal complaint has been filed regarding the alleged rape, and they are investigating claims of misinformation spread through social media. They have also launched inquiries into potential defamation against individuals spreading these claims.

Student’s and parent’s Reaction

• Prominent celebrities and public figures have voiced their outrage over the incident, calling for justice and better protection for students. Many have criticized both the college administration for its handling of the situation and the broader societal issues surrounding women’s safety in educational institutions.

The situation remains fluid as investigations continue. While initial findings are that the allegations may be unfounded, the incident has raised questions about campus safety, accountability, and the impact of misinformation in today’s digital age. Further updates are expected as authorities work to clarify the facts surrounding this troubling case.