Fresh allegations of harassment and mistreatment of children have emerged at the University of the Punjab (PU), raising concerns among families living in the university’s residential hostels. An associate professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr Javed Akhtar, is facing accusations from residents, while CCTV footage showing an incident involving him and a seven-year-old boy has also surfaced.
Several families have reportedly submitted written complaints to the university administration, asking officials to take action over the alleged harassment and threatening behaviour.
CCTV Footage Shows Incident Involving Seven-Year-Old Boy
The controversy gained attention after CCTV footage from the university’s residential compound emerged.
The footage reportedly shows Dr Javed Akhtar stopping a seven-year-old boy who was riding a bicycle. He is then seen kicking the child’s bicycle.
The incident has raised concerns among parents about the safety and treatment of children living in the university’s family hostels. Residents have reportedly called for an investigation into the matter and appropriate action based on the findings.
Female Resident Raises Further Allegations
The complaints reportedly go beyond the incident captured on CCTV. A female complainant has accused the professor of repeatedly harassing young girls living in the family hostel.
These allegations have reportedly increased anxiety among families residing in the university’s residential facilities. Parents want the administration to investigate the complaints and ensure that children are protected.
However, the accusations have not been independently established, and the professor’s response has not been included in the available report.
Questions Raised Over University Administration’s Response
The university’s House Allotment Committee has also come under scrutiny over its reported handling of the complaints.
According to reports, the committee had been aware of the allegations for around six months. However, its reported action so far has been limited to issuing a show-cause notice to the accused professor.
Sources cited in the report have also alleged that an influential official of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) intervened on Dr Javed Akhtar’s behalf and discouraged the committee from taking stronger action.
These claims of outside pressure have not been independently verified. No publicly available evidence has established that such intervention took place.
Residents Demand Investigation and Action
The prolonged handling of the complaints has reportedly created uncertainty among families living in Punjab University’s residential hostels.
Residents are concerned about the safety of their children and want the university to explain what steps have been taken to address the allegations. They are also seeking a transparent investigation into the complaints and the incident shown in the CCTV footage.
Dr Javed Akhtar and the Punjab University House Allotment Committee have yet to publicly respond to the allegations, according to the available report.
The matter now raises questions about complaint-handling procedures, accountability and safeguards for children living in university residential facilities. Any action against the professor should follow a fair investigation, with the allegations assessed on the basis of evidence.
Also read: Punjab University Launches Remote Internship Pilot
