KARACHI: A principal of a private school in Karachi has been apprehended by the police on charges of rape and blackmailing women. The suspect, identified as Irfan Ghafoor allegedly blackmailed female teachers and students by creating indecent videos using CCTV cameras. Following this development, Sindh IG Rafat Mukhtar requested a report from the SSP Malir regarding the case.
Over the past two days, some videos related to the incident surfaced on social media. The police identified the suspect through those videos and assistance from the local community. In a statement, Muktar assured that the case would undergo a thorough and impartial investigation, aiming for a transparent outcome.
However, Ghafoor denied the allegations of creating such videos. He did admit to engaging in inappropriate activities with women within the school. However, he claimed he did make any of the videos. He alleged that the CCTV operator, Ali Lodhi, and another person named Shakeel hacked the videos and were attempting to blackmail him for money.
According to Ghafoor, Lodhi was responsible for hacking the camera feeds and creating the videos. He also accused Lodhi of leaking the videos online after his demands for money were not met. Both Lodhi and Shakeel were reported missing, and the police are actively searching for them.
Malir SSP Hasan Sardar stated that the suspect is accused of harassing more than 25 teachers and other women. He claimed that a mobile phone found in the suspect’s possession contained numerous indecent videos. Sardar alleged that the suspect used the pretext of job offers to rape women and then blackmailed them by showing the CCTV footage.
Several complaints had been previously registered against the suspect. At least five women survivors have been identified and are being questioned to gather additional information.
FIR Registered
An FIR was lodged at the Steel Town police station against the suspect under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including rape, criminal intimidation, and insulting modesty or causing sexual harassment.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has also taken notice of the incident and requested a report from the Sindh school education secretary. He directed the Karachi additional inspector general to take appropriate legal action against those found guilty.
The Sindh Education and Literacy Department has instructed authorities to seal the school and investigate into the matter. Sindh Education Minister Rana Hussain has requested a report from the director of private schools. A four-member committee, led by Additional Director Rafiya Mallah, has been formed to investigate the allegations. Further actions will be taken based on the committee’s recommendations after visiting the school.
