Violent protests erupt at Lahore's Punjab Group of Colleges over girl's rape

Students from the Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) staged massive violent protests both inside and outside their campuses in Lahore on Monday, following allegations of a first-year girl being raped by a security guard and van driver yesterday.

The major protest was held at Campus 10 in the morning and also extended to Campus 16 near Hafeez Centre, where students joined the demonstration, resulting in clashes between security personnel and the students, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported.

Violent clashes between students and police at the PGC at Canal Road and Ferozpur Road led to several injuries, with at least 34 students and four policemen hurt. Media reports confirmed that both a male and a female student were hospitalised due to their injuries. 

Police resorted to a brutal baton charge on the protesting students, but the students managed to force them to retreat from the college premises.

As tensions escalated, additional police forces arrived, including prison vans and water cannons, to control the growing number of protesting students. 

The protests spilled over into the Muslim Town area, where students expressed their anger at what they claimed was an attempt by the college administration and police to suppress the incident. Demonstrators demanded justice and transparency in the investigation.

Police, while trying to negotiate with the protesting students, confirmed they were conducting an inquiry into the allegations of the assault. Students, however, remained skeptical of the investigation, accusing the administration and authorities of covering up the case.

According to the media reports, yesterday, a first-year student of ICS named Arza at Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) Campus 10 in Lahore was allegedly raped by a security guard named Aun and a van driver in the college basement.

The incident occurred during a break when the student was accidentally locked in the basement. Her cries for help were eventually heard by a male teacher, who discovered her in distress.

The accused guard, Aun, fled the scene after the incident. The female victim was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a hospital.

According to reports, the guard had a history of inappropriate behaviour towards female staff members, raising serious concerns about campus safety.

Students have accused the college administration of prioritising the institution's reputation over justice, as they are allegedly pressuring the student body to stay silent about the incident.

Following the shocking incident at Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) Campus 10, where a first-year student was allegedly raped by a security guard, widespread outrage has sparked a massive protest.

Students held banners, stating that they would continue their protest until justice was served.

Reports from the protest reveal that a large number of students gathered outside Campus 10, while some were forcibly locked inside by the administration. 

As per the media reports, students from PGC, along with peers from various colleges and universities, are protesting outside Campus 10.

Demonstrators are gathering to demand justice for the victim and to hold the college administration accountable, as they are being accused of silencing students and protecting the institution's reputation over transparency and safety.

The accused security guard, who had a history of inappropriate behaviour, has been arrested following the incident, which went viral on social media. 

Lahore police confirmed that a formal First Information Report (FIR) has yet to be registered, as the victim’s family has not come forward with an official complaint.

Reporters: Maida Hameed and Waqas Ahmad