The Punjab government’s inquiry committee, formed to investigate claims of a rape incident involving a Punjab college student, has concluded that no such incident took place.
Led by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and including key officials from various departments, the committee found that the rape allegations were fabricated and spread via fake social media accounts, intending to create unrest and disrupt public order.
The report identifies the role of “malicious actors” who manipulated the situation for their own political gain and emphasises the need to protect students from disinformation.
It highlighted the psychological and social harm caused to the alleged victim and her family, urging the government to offer them the necessary support.
The committee criticized the college management for their inadequate response and lack of proper protocols to deal with such serious claims. They praised the police for their quick actions in gathering evidence but recommended that they establish standard procedures for future incidents in educational settings.
Additionally, the report recognized a systematic issue with disinformation and called for stringent legal measures against the misuse of social media. It encouraged the Punjab government to educate students about fake news and enhance law enforcement’s ability to handle these challenges efficiently.
