THE alleged rape of a student at a private college in Lahore has sparked confusion, social media campaigns, protests, and violent clashes. News of the ‘incident’ initially went viral, leading to the arrest of a security guard. An FIR regarding the alleged rape has yet to be filed and no victim has come forward. This ambiguity has allowed multiple versions of the incident to circulate — fuelled by the reach of social media — with the college administration casting doubt on its occurrence. In contrast, student protesters assert that the college is attempting to conceal the facts by tampering with video evidence. The government has responded with mixed signals. While the Punjab education minister has voiced support for the students and called for action against the college if proven guilty, other officials, citing CCTV footage reviews and hospital records, claim that no such incident occurred. Now, with the chief minister calling the allegations politically motivated, the waters have become even more muddied.

In such circumstances, it is crucial to avoid rash conclusions. While the CM’s statements may suggest the matter is settled, the public’s trust in the investigation must be established through an impartial and independent inquiry. This inquiry should involve not only government officials but also civil society and human rights organisations to ensure transparency. The probe must remain objective, addressing the concerns of both the students and the college. It should also investigate the alleged deletion of video evidence and assess the police’s heavy-handed response to peaceful student protests. The Punjab government must move quickly, because, until the truth is uncovered, speculation and social unrest will continue to grow. It must also acknowledge that while the circumstances of this incident are murky, sexual assault and harassment are a reality for many Pakistani women. And therefore, the students’ vocal reaction in solidarity with one of their own against a heinous ‘crime’ should be understandable and not dismissed as mere ‘conspiracy’.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2024