MIRPURKHAS: A medical student has died by suicide after allegedly being harassed by her teachers. Fehmida Leghari, a 22-year-old third-year student at Mohammad Medical College, ended her life by shooting herself with a pistol.
The victim’s father, Intizar Hussain Leghari, along with other relatives, shared details of the tragic incident. He alleged that Fehmida, who had been a top-performing student throughout her academic career, was subjected to continuous harassment by her teachers, including Professor Abid Leghari, as well as some fellow students, including Abdul Rehman and Abdullah.
According to the father, the accused individuals had been blackmailing and harassing his daughter for several months. He further alleged that Professor Abid demanded Rs. 40,000 to help her pass a practical examination by using his influence at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences. He stated that he had lodged a complaint with the college principal, Zaffar Hussain Tunio, a few weeks earlier, but no action was taken.
Muqadas Leghari, the younger sister of Fehmida, claimed during a media interaction that her sister was forced to take the extreme step due to persistent harassment and blackmail. “She asked me to pursue her case after her death so that other girls could be saved from such people,” she said.
Fehmida’s maternal uncle, Dr Musadaq Leghari, described her as a brilliant student who consistently secured top positions in her examinations. He alleged that a group led by Professor Abid had been targeting female students through various means, including harassment and manipulation via WhatsApp groups. He termed the incident “the murder of a talented girl” from a humble background.
The suicide of yet another medical student has been widely condemned by people from different walks of life, who have called for a thorough and transparent investigation into all factors that may have led to the tragedy.
Taking strong notice of the incident, Javed Alam Odho, Inspector General of Sindh Police, directed Faisal Abdullah Chachar to investigate the case. A three-member inquiry team has been formed under Syed Fida Hussain Shah to probe the matter. The IGP also ordered that full security be provided to the victim’s family.