Students say police trying to cover-up rape incident due to Punjab College's influence

Students from Punjab College in Lahore have taken to the streets for the second consecutive day, protesting the alleged rape of a female student and accusing police of attempting to cover up the incident due to the institute's influence.

Despite government assurances and the formation of an investigation committee, the students remain unsatisfied and are demanding justice and transparency.

The protests, which began outside the Punjab Assembly, have spread to other cities in Punjab, including Multan, Jahanian, and Zafarwal. 

Students have vandalised college property, held motorcycle rallies, and blocked traffic, calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged sexual assault.

The incident involves a first-year female student at Punjab College in Lahore's Gulberg area, where reports surfaced of an alleged rape by a security guard. 

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.