SCN | MIRPURKHAS:
A pharmacy lecturer has been arrested in connection with a harassment case linked to the death of a female medical student in Sindh’s Mirpurkhas district, police confirmed on Sunday.
The victim, identified as Fehmida Leghari, a third-year medical student, allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Satellite Town earlier this week. According to initial reports, she sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and succumbed to her injuries within an hour.
Harassment Allegations Surface
Family members told police that the student had previously complained about harassment by certain professors and fellow students at her college.
An FIR was registered on the complaint of the deceased’s uncle, nominating multiple individuals — including the college principal, his wife (also a professor), the lecturer, and two students — under charges of harassment and abetment to suicide.
Arrests and Legal Action
Police have arrested the lecturer, identified as Abid Leghari, who was also serving as a government primary school teacher. He has been presented before a judicial magistrate and remanded into police custody for four days.
Authorities confirmed that:
- The principal and his wife have obtained pre-arrest bail
- Two other accused remain absconding
Protests Erupt, Then Called Off
The incident sparked widespread protests, with the victim’s family and local residents staging a sit-in at a toll plaza, demanding immediate arrests of all suspects.
The protest, which lasted over 12 hours and caused traffic disruption, continued for two days before being called off following the arrest of one accused.
Civil society members and activists also joined the demonstrations, calling for justice and accountability.
Government and Institutional Response
Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah suspended the accused lecturer and issued a show-cause notice, stating that individuals with a “criminal mindset” would not be tolerated in the education sector.
Separate inquiry committees have been formed by police and provincial authorities to investigate all aspects of the case.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has also taken notice, seeking records from the college and reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on harassment.
Investigation Underway
Police officials stated that the motive behind the incident is being examined in detail, with further findings expected after the final post-mortem report.
Authorities have emphasized that all those found responsible will be held accountable under the law.