Shafaat Ali declares Lahore female student rape case "fake news"

Renowned comedian Syed Shafaat Ali has termed the Lahore incident, where a first-year student was allegedly raped by a security guard at Punjab College, "fake news".

The mimicry artist took to his X account to condemn the spread of misinformation on social media.

"Lahore incident has nothing but fake news in it," his tweet read.

Lahore incident has nothing but fake news in it. Govt needs to take disinformation spreaders seriously. Disinfo spreaders should be unbailable and there should be hefty penalties for causing agitation.

— Shafaat Ali (@iamshafaatali) October 15, 2024

He demanded the government to take "disinformation spreaders seriously" and suggested "unbailable offenses and hefty penalties for causing agitation".

A recent incident involving a female student at a private college in Lahore's Gulberg area sparked widespread outrage after reports of an alleged rape surfaced.

However, the victim's family members denied the claims in a video statement. 

They explained, in a video recorded along with ASP Defence Shehrbano Naqvi, that their daughter had slipped at home, injuring her back, and was undergoing treatment at a hospital.

In another video, ASP Naqvi also termed the rape of a female student misinformation.

"Misinformation was spread regarding a private college student," Naqvi said in a video message uploaded to Punjab Police's official X account.

"We request all parents, students, and school administrations to lodge complaints with the police if any untoward incidents occur. Your grievances will be resolved. Please don't take the law and order situation into your hands."

The police officer also quoted two Ayats from the Holy Quran emphasising verification of news and promoting peace.

"We know you students have a bright future... Your police are here to protect you. Let us verify facts; don't believe misinformation."

A day earlier, students of the educational institute blocked Canal Road and Muslim Town Mor to protest against the alleged sexual assault.

Later, police used baton-charge to disperse the protesters, which injured several students.