Harassment incident shocks pupils

Barani University forms panel to probe allegations

RAWALPINDI:

A committee has been formed to investigate an alleged incident of sexual harassment involving second-semester students at the Barani University.

The committee will conduct a thorough inquiry into the accusations against two students from the eighth semester of Food Science and Technology, who allegedly forced themselves upon two junior students from the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programme.

According to sources, the incident occurred on July 4 in the university's Jinnah Hostel, where the accused students, Aneeb Khan and Muneeb, allegedly entered the room of a second-year DVM student and attempted to coerce them into engaging in sexual activities.

The victims reported the incident to the Sadiqabad police station, leading to the registration of a case against the accused.

The university administration has established an inquiry committee to probe the incident, which will gather statements from the affected students, hostel management, staff members, and review CCTV footage.

Security personnel will also be summoned to provide evidence. Based on the committee's findings, proposals will be sent to the Vice-Chancellor to expel and blacklist the accused students from the university.

The Vice-Chancellor has taken a strong stance against sexual harassment, emphasising the university's zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents. Enhanced security measures have been introduced in the hostels, including restrictions on movement between rooms and guest entry after 5pm.

The police are conducting a separate investigation and have collected evidence from the crime scene. However, no arrests have been made yet.

The university administration is cooperating with the police investigation and has provided CCTV footage and other evidence, sources said.

The committee's findings and recommendations will be crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such incidents in the future.