Lahore 'rape' saga: More than 200 arrested in Pindi as protests turn violent

### Police Arrest 250 Amid Violent Student Protests in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Authorities confirmed the arrest of 250 individuals following a violent student protest in the Dhoke Gangal area on Thursday.

The unrest began as students demonstrated against the alleged rape of a college girl in Lahore. The protesters forcefully entered a hostel, causing damage and clashing with police. In response, law enforcement used tear gas to disperse the crowd and evacuated trapped teachers and staff.

The demonstrations are part of a larger wave of protests across the province in reaction to the rape allegations that have gained traction on social media, prompting students to mobilize in various cities.

On Tuesday, over two dozen people, including four police officers, were injured in similar protests in Lahore. The escalating situation prompted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to announce a crackdown on the spread of misinformation related to the case.

#### Situation Under Control

Rawalpindi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar stated that the police successfully dispersed the protesters and that the situation is now under control. He noted that several arrests were made, and investigations into the protests are ongoing, with heavy police presence established at key locations.

Elite Force troops have also been deployed along Sixth Road to help maintain order.

Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema confirmed that the situation in the city was stable, reporting successful negotiations with student leaders. “After the protest, the students returned home,” he said, adding that those responsible for property damage during the protests have been arrested, with additional police forces stationed outside educational institutions.

#### Vandalism Case in Lahore

In Lahore, 274 individuals have been charged with vandalism at the Shalamar Campus of a private college. The first information report (FIR) identifies 24 named suspects, while the remaining 250 are listed as unidentified. The report alleges that some protesters attacked police with petrol bombs and set fire to motorcycles belonging to six employees.

#### Misguided Youth

Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran stated on Geo News that students are being misled by specific social media accounts. He noted that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is looking into the sources behind these accounts. “College students don’t want to protest, yet these demonstrations are being imposed from outside,” he claimed.

Kamran mentioned that police recovered petrol bombs from the students but had not received any formal complaints regarding the alleged rape incident. The college administration also denied awareness of any such occurrence.

The police conducted checks at government and private hospitals in Lahore but found no victims related to the alleged incident. They are currently reviewing video footage from the college for further investigation.

#### Arrest of Propagandist

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz remarked that there was an organized attempt to incite unrest in Punjab based on false information. She expressed confidence in identifying those behind the incident and vowed not to spare anyone involved. 

Following a high-level committee report indicating that the girl had not been raped and sustained injuries at home, the police registered an FIR against the spread of misinformation.

On social media platform X, CM Maryam announced the arrest of an individual accused of spreading false information that incited violence. She emphasized that she would hold accountable those responsible for the conspiracy that adversely affected the girl and her family, pointing fingers at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its role in the misinformation campaign.