Lecturer of Govt. MAO College, Lahore commits suicide over false sexual harassment allegations

A lecturer at a college in Lahore is reported to have committed suicide after the institute’s administration failed to issue him a letter pardoning him of sexual harassment allegations by a female student.

According to the Police lecturer named Muhammad Afzal, of English at the Government MAO College, he committed suicide earlier this week by consuming a toxic substance. And the body of the deceased was handed over to the family after they expressed unwillingness to file a case.

According to Geo News, MOA College principal Dr. Farhan Ibadat had ordered an inquiry after receiving a harassment complaint from a female student against the lecturer. He said that the inquiry was being conducted by Dr. Alia Rehman, who had informed Muhammad Afzal that he was innocent.

Lecturer’s suicide became a trending debate on social media as the lecturer’s letter to Dr. Alia Rehman and his suicide note was shared on Twitter and several Facebook groups.

This unfortunate incident has caused a quite stir among masses, many have taken to social media demanding a solution for such cases. Things could have had been different if the college authorities could have taken a concrete step in this grave matter that caused a person to take his own life!

Mr Afzal, Lecturer at Govt MAO College Lahore commits suicide after false harassment allegations. Leaves a suicide note as his wife leaves him & his reputation tarnished. How many will speak up for him now? How many will speak up against the misuse of #Metoo. Who is responsible? pic.twitter.com/WnWSyZyBOQ

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 19, 2019

Roll no#18444 BsMassCom had put the false allegation of Harassment over "M Afzal,Lecturer Govt MAO College,Lahore."
His wife has left him calling an immoral person
He wrote an application,on 8Oct to admin for an offcial letter to exonerate him.9thOct.he committed suicide.#MeToo pic.twitter.com/gm3PNyYjJq

— Sawera (@_Noor_e_Khuda) October 19, 2019

In the letter written to the inquiry officer, Afzal claimed that he was under mental stress due to the allegations leveled against him and wanted his college to give him in writing that the accusations against him were baseless. Afzal also stated in his letter that his family life was disturbed by the allegations and his wife had also left him.

Dr. Farhan Ibadat has confirmed the authenticity of the letter which he had sent to Dr. Alia Rehman on October 8. He said Afzal had demanded a written response to his letter, he further added that it takes some time to reply to a letter but the lecturer ended his life the very next day.