Student sexual abuse case
LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) while rejecting bail plea of teacher in under age student sexual abuse case has ordered to conduct complete verification of teachers and school staff in all the schools of Punjab besides installing CCTV cameras. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh of LHC has issued 5-page detailed decision. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh issued important policy guidelines for protection of children in educational institutions. According to verdict case is registered against the accused Shan Ali alias Zeeshan in police station Sadar district Rahim Yar Khan wherein serious allegations have been leveled against him under section 292, 376(3) of Pakistan Penal code. ONLINE
12 years old student alleged the accused who was teacher subjected him to sexual abuse in school and the co-accused made film of this incident. Later this video reached the complainant and it was handed over to investigation officer.
Prosecution took the plea the statements of aggrieved boy and other witnesses have been recorded and forensic report of video evidence is also against the accused wherein no editing of any kind has been made.
It has been said in the decision that the counsel for the accused said the case has been registered with much delay. Video is fake, therefore, bail be granted to him.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh maintained in the decision available evidence, statements of the witnesses and video proofs prima facie connect the accused to the offence. Objectionable videos available on the mobile phone of the accused in large number have come on record which strengthens the case further. The crime is of grave nature and is non bailable under section 497 of criminal procedure.
The court issued order for rejecting the bail plea of the accused following completion of the arguments.
While giving important observations with reference to protection of children in educational institutions court directed government of Punjab children protection training be declared compulsory. Secret system of the complaints be set up in schools. The system of regular monitoring and audit be formulated in schools.
The court ordered that a copy of the decision be sent to law ministry, chief secretary Punjab, IG Punjab , secretary education and all concerned authorities besides ensuring its implementation.
