16 more arrested for sharing ‘fake videos’ on alleged rape of college girl

LAHORE: At least 16 more people have been taken into custody by Lahore police on charges of sharing fake videos on social media related to an alleged rape of a girl at a private college in Lahore.

The sharing of fake and unverified reports sparked widespread social media activity and protests across Punjab.

Police Deputy Inspector General Imran Kishwar confirmed that 16 individuals have been arrested for launching a ‘fake social media campaign” related to the incident.

He said that around 138 social media accounts have been blocked for spreading false information.

He said that police have identified 40 students allegedly involved in vandalism and violence during recent protests.

Kishwar said that actions against those spreading misinformation to incite unrest on social media were ongoing.

The viral videos, unverified news of the alleged assault on the girl led to protests and property damage in Lahore and several other cities in Punjab, with students taking to the streets.

The Punjab government had formed an investigation committee, which found no evidence of the alleged assault, nor any eyewitnesses to the reported incident.

The committee interviewed around 28 girl students, who said they had only heard of the claims through rumours.

The report further highlighted that the issue was amplified through social media posts.

Earlier, Punjab police dismissed the allegations regarding the rape of the private college student, stating that “no victim” linked to the incident has come forward to record the statement.

The Lahore police earlier claimed to have arrested the security guard on charges of raping a first-year student.

The accused raped the victim girl in the basement of the college before he fled after the girl made hue and cry.

Police earlier said that the fugitive security guard had been arrested from Sialkot, and an investigation has been launched.

The victim girl, *I*, was a resident of Sheikhupura and a student of Punjab Group of Colleges, Gaddafi Stadium Hali Road branch number 10.

According to the police, the suspect later denied the allegations and he was released.