Police have arrested another suspect in the case of a medical student’s alleged suicide in Mirpurkhas, as investigations continue into claims of harassment and mental pressure by college staff and fellow students, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.
According to police officials, the latest arrest was made during a raid carried out by Satellite Town police, along with personnel from the Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) and the District Intelligence Branch (DIB), acting on information from sensitive agencies. The suspect, Abdul Rehman Jatt, was taken into custody in the city.
Authorities said that with this development, two suspects, including pharmacy lecturer Abid Laghari and Abdul Rehman Jatt, have been arrested so far.
Two other accused are currently on bail, while one suspect remains at large. Police added that further investigations are under way and raids are being conducted to apprehend the absconding individual.
The case relates to the death of 21-year-old medical student Fahmida Leghari, who was studying in her third year at a medical college in Mirpurkhas.
Earlier reports stated that a case had been registered against five individuals, including college principal Tanveer Alam; his wife, Professor Farzana; a lecturer, Abid Laghari; student Abdul Rehman Jatt; and a class fellow, on charges of harassment and abetment to suicide.
According to the complaint, filed by the student Fehmida Leghari’s uncle, the victim had allegedly been subjected to blackmail by a lecturer and fellow students.
The complaint further claims that the matter was repeatedly brought to the attention of the college administration, but instead of taking action, the student was pressured to withdraw her allegations.
It also alleges that when she refused to do so, she was threatened with expulsion and faced continued harassment. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police Sindh, Javed Alam Odho, has directed authorities to ensure protection for the victim’s family.
In a separate development, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has sought a detailed inquiry report from the Sindh government and requested complete records from the college.
Council President Professor Rizwan Taj expressed concern over the incident and said strict disciplinary action would be taken if the allegations are proven.
He emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and misconduct, adding that student safety and mental well-being remain a top priority.
He also noted that all medical and dental colleges are required to maintain anti-harassment mechanisms and that students may directly approach the council with complaints.
Reporter: Muhammad Iftikhar