Punjab Police arrested a security guard from a private college in the Gulberg area of Lahore on Sunday, following accusations of sexual assault on a first-year student. The suspect, identified as Aun, reportedly fled the scene after the incident surfaced on social media, but he was apprehended within 10 hours by law enforcement on the outskirts of Lahore.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, police are also attempting to locate the victim and her family as they proceed with legal actions. The assault reportedly occurred at the Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC) Campus 10, where the student was accidentally locked in the basement during a break. Her cries for help alerted a male teacher, who discovered her in distress. After the incident, the suspect immediately went into hiding.
The guard, Aun, allegedly has a history of inappropriate behavior towards female staff members, raising concerns about the college’s response to prior complaints. Amid growing outrage, some students have accused the college administration of pressuring them to stay silent in order to protect the institution’s reputation. The victim is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving medical treatment, underscoring the gravity of the assault on her health and well-being.
The incident has sparked widespread protests among students, who gathered outside the college to demand justice and better safety measures. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikander visited the site and announced the cancellation of the college’s registration, vowing strict action against the accused. In a statement, he said, “We will hang the accused upside down to ensure justice.”
The protests turned tense as police allegedly used force against students demonstrating in support of the victim, intensifying anger towards both the college administration and law enforcement. The students have now expanded their protests to include demands for accountability from Punjab Police.
The students of Lahore College are protesting against sexual harassment by the university security guard.@JaneMarriottUK @HRCP87 @HRCPakistan @UN_HRC @UN #JusticeForPGCStudent#Punjabcollege
— Mohammad Hayat (@mofarooka) October 14, 2024
pic.twitter.com/NkE6lqIvpc
This incident has raised significant concerns about student safety on college campuses, with calls for stricter regulations and accountability measures for educational institutions. Authorities have assured the public of a thorough investigation as they work to bring the accused to justice and address the students’ concerns.
