Sindh govt to bear medical expenses of student tortured in Larkana: CM Sindh

KARACHI: Taking notice of an incident where a child was allegedly tortured by his teacher, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah vowed to hold a transparent inquiry and bear medical expenses for the student.

Geo News on Friday aired story of a student from Larkana Cadet College, Mohammed Ahmed, who lost his senses due to alleged torture by a teacher.

The Chief Minister on Saturday directed his cabinet that the child be taken abroad for treatment if the need arises.

The health secretary told Geo News that a medical board with an ENT, neurologist, and orthopedic, had been formed to examine the case.

The medical board will monitor his reports and then give a treatment option, he said.

Meanwhile an investigation into the alleged torture has begun, Larkana deputy commissioner told Geo News.

The child's father, Mohammed Rashid, told Geo News that CM Sindh has assured him that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure his son is provided with the best medical treatment possible. He added that no one has yet approached him regarding the matter, but the Army personnel has also contacted him about it.

Student left mute, paralyzed 

The teacher allegedly strangulated Mohammed Ahmed, 14, breaking sensitive bones of his neck. He lost his speech and suffered a paralytic attack which left his limbs motionless. He is on a liquid diet as he can neither digest nor chew solid food.

Ahmed's father Ghullam Ahmed, a teacher, says that the incident occurred four months ago and a few teachers from his school are responsible for bringing his son to this state. "On August 6 just after school reopened after summer vacations I received a phone call from station master GM Bhatti saying that my son had suffered fits."

He claims that when he reached the school his son was covered with injuries on his face, chest, head, back and lower limbs.

After failing to get satisfactory treatment from doctors in Larkana he came to Karachi where health experts pointed out that the condition had been caused due to assault.

His medical treatment is possible in the United States doctors have said, but his parents claim they don’t have the resources to take him there.

"I have six daughters, and I've spent all my savings on Ahmed," Ghullam Ahmed wails.

Education Secretary Fazlullah Pechuho took notice of the incident after Geo News aired the story. He promised to form a medical board and bear expenses for the treatment. "A medical board will examine the child and then make arrangements for his treatment," he said speaking to Geo News.

He also said that he had directed the DIG to register a case against the perpetrators.

The law makes any sort of corporal punishment in school illegal. Individuals found to be involved in corporal punishment would be sentenced to one year in prison or Rs 50,000 fine or both.

However, the practice remains entrenched in social norms of the country, with many teachers and parents believing corporal punishment a useful tool to discipline children.