A pharmacy lecturer at a private medical college in Mirpurkhas, who was simultaneously employed as a government primary school teacher, has been arrested in connection with the alleged harassment and subsequent death of a female medical student. The arrest follows days of public outcry and protests demanding justice.
Student’s Death and Harassment Allegations
Fehmida Leghari, a third-year medical student, was found dead at her residence in Satellite Town with a gunshot wound. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death, with the report indicating the bullet struck the left side of her chest, damaged her heart, and exited her body. Police have taken her mobile phone into custody as part of the investigation.
According to statements from the victim’s sister to the police, the student had previously complained of harassment by professors and fellow students at the college. An FIR was subsequently registered by the deceased’s uncle, naming the college principal, his wife (also a professor), the arrested lecturer, and two students on charges of sexual harassment and abetment to suicide.
Arrests, Bail, and Ongoing Manhunt
The arrested individual, identified as Abid Leghari, was presented before a judicial magistrate who remanded him into police custody for four days. Investigations revealed he had been working concurrently as a primary school teacher in Tando Allah Yar district while holding his lecturer position.
The college principal and his wife have secured 13-day pre-arrest bail from a local court. Police report that two other accused named in the FIR remain absconding, and a manhunt is underway.
Public Outcry and Official Response
The incident triggered significant protests, with the victim’s family and local residents staging a sit-in at a toll plaza for over 12 hours, blocking traffic and demanding the arrest of all suspects. The protest, joined by civil society groups, was called off only after the lecturer’s arrest.
In response, Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah suspended the teacher and issued a show-cause notice, vowing that individuals with a “criminal mindset” would not be tolerated in the education sector.
Multiple Inquiries Launched
Authorities have initiated several parallel investigations:
- A three-member police inquiry committee, supervised by the SSP, has been ordered to report within 10 days.
- The provincial Minister for Women’s Development, Shaheena Sher Ali, announced a separate inquiry committee has been constituted.
- The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken official notice, seeking records from the college and an inquiry report from the Sindh government. The PMDC reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on harassment.
SSP Syed Fida Hussain stated that the motives behind the suicide are being examined in detail, with information also being gathered through confidential channels. The case continues to develop as investigations proceed.
