LAHORE: A high-powered committee established by the Punjab government has released its initial findings regarding the alleged rape of a first-year girl student at a private college in Lahore.
On 15 October 2024, the committee led by the home secretary met the alleged victim and her parents for three hours at their home. They recorded statements from 36 individuals including senior officials such as DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran and the college principal, Dr Saadia Javed. The alleged victim and her parents clarified that she had suffered an injury after falling from her bed at home on October 2. She received treatment at various hospitals including the General Hospital and the Brain and Spine Clinic in Cantt, before being discharged from the Itttefaq Hospital, Model Town, on October 11.
They emphasized that no incident of rape occurred and expressed concern over the false narratives spreading on social media. They requested the police to file a case against those involved in disinformation under the Cyber Crime Act.
The committee also included key figures from the education sector.
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has formed a seven-member team to investigate the spread of disinformation regarding the alleged rape.
In response to the escalating situation and the potential for misinformation, the principal of the college requested an official inquiry.
The FIA spokesperson confirmed that the team, led by a deputy director, would focus on investigating those spreading false information about the incident. “The FIA is committed to utilizing all available resources to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for disseminating disinformation,” he said, adding that the agency aimed to clarify the facts surrounding the case and ensure accurate information is communicated to people. As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that could exacerbate the situation.
A senior official from an intelligence agency, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the individual who first shared details of the incident on social media might be crucial in solving the mystery. Efforts are underway to locate this person and gather more information.
Meanwhile, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari urged political figures to show compassion for the girl involved and avoid exploiting the situation for political gains. She said the girl’s parents denied any such incident. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has established a committee to investigate the matter, which is expected to present its findings within 48 hours.
During a session of the Punjab Assembly on 15-October-2024, Bokhari said there were three girls with the same name at the college and the authorities visited their homes for clarification. She said the parents consistently denied any wrongdoing, adding that their daughter was injured in a fall from the stairs. All hospital records have been reviewed and the parents have requested that their family not be defamed.
The minister emphasized that if any affected girl came forward, they were prepared to take action against those responsible. She criticized the allegations of assault, referencing similar accusations made in Kyrgyzstan, and pointed out that accountability could only follow a medical report. She condemned the exploitation of the situation for political purposes, labelling those who do so as “political vultures” eager to manipulate tragedies for their agendas. She urged those defaming the girl to speak with her father who, along with her uncle, is advocating their daughter’s dignity. She expressed concern that the incident became a sensational topic on social media.
Meanwhile, the hide-and-seek between police and students continued at Zahoor Elahi Roundabout. The students pelted stones at cops who also retaliated in the same fashion. Furthermore, the students staged a sit-in outside the Punjab Assembly despite a heavy police presence at Charing Cross, The Mall. The demonstrators who included alumni from a private college and students from the Government College University were holding placards that read, “We Want Justice for Victim.”
The protest was organized by the Progressive Students Collective, a coalition of students from various colleges and universities. They are calling for the establishment of a human rights committee including judges and female students, along with dedicated bodies to address the complaints of harassment and related issues.
In addition to the sit-in in Lahore, students in cities such as Multan, Jahanian and Zafarwal also held demonstrations against the alleged harassment of students. Reports indicate that some protesters vandalized a college in Multan, leading to police intervention and several arrests after police baton-charged them. In Zafarwal, the students blocked a road by setting tyres on fire.
The six-member committee formed by the CM to probe the incident was led by the Punjab chief secretary and included the home secretary, the advocate general and secretaries from the Education and Healthcare Departments.
The Punjab Police have already dismissed allegations related to the supposed rape, stating that “there is no victim” linked to the claims that sparked protests in Lahore. The Punjab Police spokesperson said if any citizen had information about the alleged incident, he should report it to the Virtual Women Police Station by calling 15 or through the Women Safety App. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential.
Published in News Daily on 16-October-2024.
