A canteen employee at a government school in Gujranwala has been arrested for the alleged rape of multiple schoolgirls.
According to police, five separate cases have been registered against the suspect after complaints from the victims' parents.
The police revealed that the suspect, who operated the canteen of Government Non-formal School in Saleem Colony, had been preying on young girls and also filming the assaults. He is said to be the husband of one of the teachers.
The victim girls have disclosed that the suspect raped them several times in school, and would even record videos of the heinous acts. He had also threatened to publish the videos on social media if they informed anyone about it.
During the investigation, indecent videos of the victims were recovered from the suspect's mobile phone.
The man has reportedly confessed to his crimes, and legal proceedings are underway. The cases were lodged at Saddar Police Station under various charges, including rape. Authorities have assured that swift action will be taken to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Parents of the victims are demanding severe punishment for the man and calling for increased security measures in schools to protect children from such heinous acts.
School closed, teachers suspended
Later, the Punjab education minister took notice of the rape of schoolgirls in Gujranwala as a result of which two teachers have been suspended and the school temporarily closed.
Moreover, a three-member inquiry committee consisting of senior officers of the education department has been established. It includes the deputy director, assistant director literacy and Gujranula DEO.
The education minister has sought an inquiry report within 24 hours. The suspect was arrested on the instruction of the minister and an FIR was registered. The minister said no exceptions will be offered to the suspect and the victim girls ensured the provision of justice in any case.