Lahore girl, parents deny rape, call for case against 'propagandists': report

• High-level committee records statements of 36 people.
• Alleged victim, parents clarify she was injured at home.
• Bokhari doesn't want situation to be exploited for political gains.

A high-level committee formed by the Punjab government has published its preliminary findings concerning the alleged rape of a first-year female student at a private college in Lahore, The News reported.

The committee led by the home secretary on Tuesday 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 emphasised 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.

FIA committee, protests

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 utili[s]ing all available resources to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for disseminating disinformation," he said.

Meanwhile, students of the private college took to streets for the second day on Tuesday to protest against the alleged rape of the girl in Lahore, a day after dozens were injured in violent clashes between protesters and law enforcers.

A group of students gathered outside a private college on Monday on a protest call after reports of the alleged rape of a female student went viral on social media platforms.

At least 28 people, including four policemen, were injured after the protests turned violent. Later, the protest was put off and it was decided to resume the demonstration on Tuesday.

'Avoid exploiting situation'

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, 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 emphasised that if any affected girl came forward, they were prepared to take action against those responsible.

She criticised the allegations of assault, referencing similar accusations made in Kyrgyzstan, and pointed out that accountability could only follow a medical report.