KASUR: The district administration on Wednesday formed a four-member joint investigation team (JIT) to probe into the harassment case of two students of a private medical institute.

The team will give its findings to Deputy Commissioner Javid Manzar in three days.

The JIT consists of the additional deputy commissioner general, the additional SP, the district health officer and the principal of the School of Nursing, DHQ Hospital.

Following applications of two students, the police lodged cases under sections 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (sexual harassment), and 594 (obscen acts and songs) of the Pakistan Penal Code and 25-D of the Telegraph Act of 1885 against the owner of the institute.

Police declared the suspect guilty and challaned him.

Though section 506 of the PPC and 25-D of Telegraph Act are non-bailable, the court granted the suspect bail on health grounds.

According to police, none of the applicant alleged rape or attempted rape.

Police also said the medical examination of the students did not confirm any rape.District Police Officer (DPO) Imran Kishwar said there were only 63 students enrolled in the college, so the reports of rape of over 100 girls were out of question. He said that 41 students, out of 63, were interrogated about the charges that are doing the rounds online but only two students came forward with the allegations.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2021