PESHAWAR, Oct 16: A sub-committee of the NWFP assembly on Thursday recorded statements of about 15 students to investigate the issue of sexual abuse by a group of employees at the Government City Higher Secondary School for Boys No 3.

The committee had a day earlier recorded statements of some employees of the school including its principal Ubaidullah Khan, teacher Khan Muhammad, peon Nawab Khan and watchmen Sabz Ali and Azam Khan.

It was learnt that some of the employees had confirmed to the committee members that the senior teachers accused of sexual abuse used to remain in the school with some students till late in night.

The provincial assembly on Sept 26, referred the issue to the standing committee on schools and literacy after the members and the provincial education minister had expressed dissatisfaction over the report of an inquiry committee comprising parents of different students of the school.

The assembly committee first met on Tuesday and decided that the sub-committee members would visit the school on Wednesday. The body comprised its Chairman Habibur Rehman and members Ms Farah Aqil Shah, Khalid Waqar Chamkani and Mukhtiar Ali.

During the committee’s visit, teachers of the school affiliated with different teachers associations were wearing black bands to protest against the visit. They claimed that the issue was aimed at damaging the image of their community. Teachers could never indulge in sexual activities, they added.

The committee assured the protesting teachers that they were conducting an inquiry for restoring the lost image of the teachers. There were black sheep among teachers who were damaging the repute of the entire community, the body said and requested the teachers not to support such elements who had ruined the future of innocent students.

The committee also recorded statement of Principal Ubaidullah Khan. It was learnt that the principal handed over some documents including some complaints made by parents regarding the activities of two senior teachers.

A gang of teachers and other officials of the school is accused of molesting students for the last more than two-decade. The gang is also accused of sending out the students for child prostitution.

The committee members recorded the statements of the concerned watchmen and peons namely Nawab Khan, Azam Khan and Sabz Ali.

They confided to the committee that the said teachers used to remain in the school after school timings. One of them informed that once he had himself spotted the ring leader with a student when all other persons had gone to offer the Jumma prayers.

Reportedly, a teacher of the school has accused three former principals of the school of turning a blind eye towards the activities of the said gang for money.