LODHRAN: A private school principal was arrested on November 28 following allegations of sexual assault against a 12-year-old student in the 7th grade. The arrest came after the victim’s father filed a complaint at the Saddar police station. According to the police report, Wazir Khan, a resident of Qadir Pur village, stated that his daughter attended a private school. Nine months ago, the principal, Muhammad Arshad, allegedly detained her after school hours under the pretext of cleaning his office.
During this time, he reportedly locked the office door and sexually assaulted her, threatening to kill her if she disclosed the incident. The father revealed that the child, scared and traumatised, remained silent initially but later refused to attend school. On November 25, she confided in her parents about the incident. When the family confronted the accused with community elders, the principal allegedly admitted to the crime but issued threats against legal action. Based on the complaint, police registered an FIR under Sections 376(iii) and 377B of the Pakistan Penal Code. The principal was taken into custody, and a medical examination of the victim was conducted. Samples have been sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency for forensic analysis, and the suspect will undergo DNA testing following court remand.
District Police Officer (DPO) Kamran Mumtaz stated that under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, strict measures are being enforced for the protection of children. He assured a transparent investigation, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy for crimes of this nature.
Article published in the Express Tribune on 29th November 2024
