QUETTA: Police have arrested the principal of the Cadet College, Mastung, for allegedly ordering torture of junior cadets in the college premises.

Police are also conducting raids to arrest some senior cadets and other people involved in the incident after a video went viral on social media on Monday, showing junior students being badly beaten up. The video showed some staff members and senior cadets beating the junior students with sticks.

President of the Balochistan Bar Association Shah Mohammad Jatoi has filed a petition in the Balochistan High Court, alleging that the junior students had been punished after the son of college principal was slapped by someone.

Taking up the petition, a two-judge BHC bench headed by Chief Justice Mohammad Noor Meskanzai ordered the arrest of Principal Javed Iqbal Bangash, staff members and senior cadets involved in the brutal act.

Principal Secretary to Governor Sajjad Bhutta, acting Regional Police Officer Aitzaz Goraya, Advocate General Rauf Atta and other educational staff appeared before the court.

Mr Goraya informed the court that medical examination of tortured students had been complete.

The court adjourned the hearing till Wednesday.

Parents of the students expressed grave concern over the severe torture on their children and demanded action against the staff and senior cadets of the college.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident.

Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, who is chairman of the board of governors of the Cadet College, also took notice of the brutality and suspended the principal and appointed retired Major Suffar Khan Mengal in his place.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2018