Lecturer arrested in Mirpurkhas student death case amid harassment allegations

MIRPURKHAS: A pharmacy lecturer has been arrested in connection with alleged harassment and the death of a female medical student in Sindh’s Mirpurkhas district, police said.

The victim, Fehmida Leghari, a third-year student, allegedly shot herself at her residence in Satellite Town three days ago. Her body was recovered with a bullet wound and a post-mortem examination was conducted, while her mobile phone was taken into custody for investigation.

According to the initial post-mortem report, the bullet struck the left side of her chest, damaging the heart before passing through the body. Death reportedly occurred about an hour after the injury.

Police registered a first information report on the complaint of the deceased’s uncle, nominating the college principal, his wife — also a professor — a lecturer and two students on charges including harassment and abetment to suicide.

The arrested suspect, Abid Leghari, was found to be simultaneously employed as a government primary school teacher in Tando Allah Yar while also serving as a lecturer at a private medical college.

He was presented before a judicial magistrate in Mirpurkhas and remanded into police custody for four days. Meanwhile, the principal and his wife secured pre-arrest bail, while two other accused remain at large.

The incident sparked widespread protests, with the victim’s family, local residents and civil society groups staging a sit-in at a toll plaza that lasted over 12 hours, causing severe traffic disruption. The protest was later called off following the arrest of one suspect.

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Sindh Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah suspended the accused teacher and issued a show-cause notice, stating that individuals with a “criminal mindset” would not be tolerated in the education sector.

Authorities have launched multiple inquiries into the incident. A three-member committee was formed under the supervision of SSP Syed Fida Hussain on the directives of DIG Faisal Abdullah, with a report expected within 10 days.

Separately, Women Development Minister Shaheena Sher Ali said a parallel inquiry had been initiated to examine all aspects of the case.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has also taken notice, seeking records from the institution and an inquiry report from the Sindh government. In a statement, the council reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on harassment and warned of strict action against individuals and institutions found responsible.

Police said the motive behind the incident remains under investigation, with further findings expected after completion of forensic and inquiry reports.