BAHAWALPUR/RAHIM YAR KHAN: The deputy commissioners of Bahawalpur and R Y Khan have ordered inquiries into “dances and other activities” during college functions in their respective jurisdictions following video clips of these events went viral on social media.

On the orders of Bahawalpur DC Irfan Ali Kathiya, police registered a case on Wednesday against 40 persons, including the principal, some staffers and students of a private college at Hasilpur, for indulging in “obscene” activities, while assistant commissioner concerned also sealed the college.

Earlier, video clips of dances and hullabaloo by the college principal, some staffers and girls went viral on social media, which attracted the attention of the district administration.

The video clips showed that during the college function girls and boys were dancing on the stage, while the college principal and others also joined them, and also showered currency notes on them.

Taking notice of the video, the DC ordered Hasilpur AC to seal the college and formed a committee headed by him (AC) to probe into the matter, fixing responsibility for holding the “vulgar function” at the college and submit a report within three days.

Members of the committee included Education Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zahoor Chohan and Colleges Deputy Director Wajid Mahmood. Hasilpur city police registered FIR No 872/21 under sections 294, 292, 148 and 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against the National College principal Sajjad Hussain and 40 others on the complaint of deputy director colleges.

According to the FIR, on the night of Nov 4, a function was held by the principal and others where songs were played loud, violating the Amplifier Act. It said during the event “vulgar” dances were performed and “objectionable gestures” were made by the dancers on the stage and others in the hall.

The complainant added the participants in the event “violated educational, moral and social values”, demanding action against the principal and his associates. Police said no arrest had yet been made.

Similarly, RYK Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nouman Yousuf has constituted a committee to probe into an “indecent” event held at a private college at Sadiqabad on Dec 7.

As per a complaint, On Dec 7, 2021, MTB College organised a function where “vulgar and immoral” acts were committed, besides violation of code of conduct.

A video clip of the event that went viral on social media showed a girl student performing dance on a song on the stage.

Through a letter (DC/GB/2772) dated 07-12-2021, the DC formed a committee comprising Sadiqabad assistant commissioner, chief executive officer, district education authority and RYK deputy director, colleges, which will submit a report within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Bahawalpur colleges director in a letter (DIR(C)BWP/CA-1/28267-340) said the higher authorities have banned permission for any function in government and private colleges in the division and that action would be taken against violators.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2021