Chandigarh, October 15, 2024 — In the wake of the harrowing Punjab College rape incident, renowned social activist Feroz Khan has called for swift justice and accountability for the victims. Speaking at a press conference earlier today, Khan condemned the brutal assault and demanded immediate action from the authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The incident, which occurred on the campus of a well-known educational institution in Punjab, has sparked outrage across the state and beyond. The victims, two female students of the college, were reportedly attacked on the evening of October 12, 2024, by a group of individuals, who are believed to be linked to the local political elite.
Khan’s Statement:
Feroz Khan, a prominent advocate for women’s rights and social justice, expressed his concern over the delayed response from law enforcement. “This incident is not just a violation of the victims’ rights but an attack on the values of education and safety that every institution is meant to uphold. We cannot, and we must not, allow such heinous acts to go unpunished,” he said.
Khan called on the Punjab Government to ensure a fair and transparent investigation into the case, adding that there should be no political interference in the legal process. He also urged the Ministry of Education to implement stronger measures to ensure the safety of students on campuses across the state.
Calls for Nationwide Reforms:
Khan’s advocacy extended beyond the immediate case, highlighting the need for broader reforms in campus security and a reevaluation of the laws around sexual violence. He suggested the establishment of independent committees within colleges to handle complaints of sexual harassment and assault.
“The education system must be a place of learning, not of fear. Every student has the right to feel safe, and the government must ensure that every college, school, and university adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual violence,” Khan emphasized.
Community Support:
Local civil society groups and student unions have rallied in support of the victims, organizing protests and petitions calling for justice. Demonstrators have been gathering outside the Punjab College, demanding the resignation of senior officials, and urging the police to expedite the investigation.
One of the organizers of the student protest, Amrita Kaur, a senior student at Punjab College, stated, “We stand with the victims, and we will not rest until justice is served. This crime was an attack on our freedom, and we will continue to raise our voices until we are heard.”
Police Response:
The Punjab Police have confirmed that they are investigating the case and have apprehended several suspects in connection with the assault. Police spokesperson Inspector Rajiv Mehta assured the public that all steps are being taken to ensure the victims receive justice, but cautioned that the investigation would take time to ensure a thorough and fair process.
Public Outcry and National Attention:
The Punjab College rape case has sparked a nationwide outcry, with many celebrities, politicians, and rights organizations adding their voices to the call for justice. Women’s rights activists across India have condemned the incident as part of a larger issue of campus safety and gender violence.
As the investigation continues, Feroz Khan and other activists are determined to hold those responsible accountable and to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities have promised that updates will be provided as the legal proceedings unfold.
