Punjab Police on Thursday arrested hundreds of students and alleged troublemakers from various cities across the province, accusing them of vandalizing private college campuses, including several in Lahore, during protests over an unconfirmed and disputed rape allegation involving female students.
Lahore emerged as the epicenter of the protests after the alleged incident triggered widespread outrage. Protesters, including students and other agitators, reportedly damaged property, set motorcycles ablaze, and engaged in clashes with police.
Read more: Students Clash with Police in Rawalpindi During Protest Over Lahore College Rape Allegations
An FIR filed by sub-inspector Usman Akbar at the Harbanspura police station noted that 200 to 250 unidentified individuals were involved. The FIR reported that protesters hurled petrol bombs, resulting in the destruction of six motorcycles and extensive damage to the college. Twenty-four suspects have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Rawalpindi: Protests outside campus lead to mass detentions
Protests outside a private college led to mass detentions, with over 150 people being detained by police. Authorities warned against any acts of vandalism, arson, or unlawful behavior, assuring that strict measures would be taken against those who caused damage to public property.
Gujarat: 92 students arrested as crackdown continues
Ninety-two students were detained amid a crackdown on violent protests. The detainees were moved to various police stations, with officials stating that the operation to track down those involved would continue.
Jhelum: 49 students Arrested After College Vandalism
Forty-nine students were apprehended for vandalizing a private college, setting fire to property, and resisting police action. A case was registered at Kalagjaran police station against 49 identified individuals and 400 unknown suspects on charges of rioting, arson, and obstructing law enforcement. Concerned families gathered outside the station, demanding the release of their children.
Jhelum: Families gather outside police station in worry
Worried parents and relatives gathered outside the police station as the number of student arrests rose. Families expressed concerns for their children, urging police to handle the situation with care. Authorities, however, maintained that law and order would be strictly upheld.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the individual behind spreading false rumors and inciting violence has been apprehended, clarifying that the allegations were baseless. She noted that the girl involved, a former Punjab College student, is now happily married and pledged to take action against those spreading misinformation.
