LAHORE: A lecturer of MAO College allegedly committed suicide after being accused of harassment by one of his female students.
Police confirmed to private source on Saturday that Muhammad Afzal, a lecturer of English at the Government MAO College, committed suicide earlier this week. Afzal reportedly ended his life by consuming a toxic substance.
Police said the body was handed over to the family after they expressed an unwillingness to file a case.
MOA College principal Dr Farhan Ibadat told to a private source he had ordered an inquiry after receiving a harassment complaint from a female student against the lecturer. He said Dr Alia Rehman, who was overseeing the inquiry, had informed Muhammad Afzal that he was innocent.
The case of the suicide became a topic of debate on social media after the lecturer’s letter to Dr Alia Rehman and his suicide note surfaced on Twitter and several Facebook groups.
Singer and actor Ali Zafar, who was recently accused by singer Meesha Shafi of sexual harassment expressed solidarity with the late lecturer, raising concern over the increasing misuse of the #MeToo movement.
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
Afzal stated in his letter that his family life was disturbed by the allegations and his wife had also left him.
