Body probing video scandal reviews FIA’s findings

The committee formed to investigate the video scandal involving Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur Vice Chancellor Dr Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto has reviewed the findings of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing.

The integrity of the troubling video is still uncertain, leaving the committee perplexed about its originality. Dr Ibupoto has been on forced leave since the issue surfaced. The FIA’s forensic assessment of the USB containing the footage found no signs of video manipulation (editing or tampering), but the agency was unable to determine the clip’s origin.

The video, which was screen captured and downloaded from a social networking site, lacked a valid timestamp, which can only be confirmed using the original recording device. Moreover, the video file’s MD5 hash value, which is used to verify data integrity, was calculated for additional investigation.

On January 12 the caretaker Sindh chief minister had sent Dr Ibupoto on forced leave after the video was found circulating on social media platforms.

NED University VC Dr Sarosh Lodi heads the investigative committee, which also comprises Sindh Madressatul Islam University VC Dr Mujeeb Sehrai, Dow University of Health Sciences VC Dr Saeed Quraishy and FIA Deputy Director Amjad Abbasi.

Similarly, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari (BBSUL) VC Dr Akhtar Baloch was sent on forced leave two years ago. The Jinnah Sindh Medical University’s Dr Amjad Siraj Memon has been BBSUL’s acting VC since then.

Although the investigation was completed last year, a personal hearing with the CM is pending, delaying the final decision. It looks like Dr Baloch would serve his four-year term as VC in suspension.