Two held in university scandal

Professors apprehended from hometowns of Attock, Khushab

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

Police have reportedly detained two prime suspects in the Ghazi University harassment scandal.

According to sources, the arrested suspects are being interrogated amid ongoing investigations into the case.

The sources said Professor Muhammad Zafar Wazir and Khalid Khattak, suspected of allegedly sexually abusing a University student were apprehended by the police with the help of modern technology.

However, the district police did not confirm their detention.

Earlier, a student of Ghazi University had reportedly stated in a video that the two professors had sexually assaulted her in May after intoxicating her.

She had alleged that the suspects had also blackmailed and threatened her to remain silent over the matter.

After instructions regarding the case to the Punjab inspector general of police by the caretaker chief minister, the professors were reportedly detained following the registration of the case by Gadai police.

When reached out for comment, Ghazi University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Kamran said Khattak had been apprehended in his hometown of Attock, while Wazir had bene taken into custody in his hometown of Khushab.

He told The Express Tribune that a thorough investigation into the case by the police was under way.

He emphasised that strict action would be taken against anyone found culpable. “Complete cooperation will be extended to aid the police investigation,” he VC added.

A few days back, an alleged case of sexual abuse concerning a female student at Ghazi University has come to the forefront, involving accusations against professors.

Following the victim’s complaint, the Gadai police station registered a case against two professors and an additional student.

The incident has garnered attention from Inspector General (IG) Punjab, prompting decisive action to ensure justice.

The victim, Sana Irshad, relayed to the police that her classmate, Tahira Lal, invited her to a private hostel with the promise of aiding her examination scores.

Tragically, the situation took a dark turn when Dr Khalid Khattak allegedly rendered Sana unconscious using a potent substance. Subsequently, Dr Zafar Wazir purportedly subjected the young woman to sexual assault over the course of the night.

Responding promptly, Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar acknowledged the gravity of the situation after viewing a circulating video statement by Sana Irshad, a Ghazi University student, on social media.

In response, he directed Deputy Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ghazi Khan, Hasan Afzal, to lead an investigation under his vigilant supervision. This inquiry aims to leave no stone unturned, encompassing all facets of the incident.

Driven by a commitment to uphold legal protocols, the IG is resolute in completing the investigation promptly and bringing the responsible parties to justice.

Emphasising the significance of delivering unyielding justice, IG Punjab voiced that those who engage in blackmail, abuse, or harassment against female students should not be granted any leniency. The directive stands to ensure the immediate provision of justice to the victim, all while adhering to the requirements of the law.

The Gadai police station has initiated action by formally registering the case based on Sana Irshad’s statement. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2023.