Daily Times

LAHORE: A Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) student was found dead in his hotel room on Monday causing panic and fear among students.

According to details, Shahmir Asif Bajwa, a student of BSc accounting and finance, did not respond when found by his fellows in his room. He was immediately taken to a nearest private hospital where doctors declared him dead. He was a resident of Karachi but was living in Lahore for studies.

Some of the LUMS students claimed that Shahmir’s death was caused by drug overdose but it wasn’t confirmed by administration, family of Shahmir or police. A student residing in hostel, seeking anonymity, told Daily Times that Shahmir was a regular drugs addict and overdose caused his death.

It is pertinent to mention here that usage of drugs at LUMS has made headlines in the newspapers. In November 2015, 140 grams of heroin was seized at the entrance of the LUMS, which was being taken by outsiders.

When contacted, police sources said there was no bruise marks found on Shahmir’s body and the actual cause of death could be ascertained after an autopsy. Defence B Police Station SHO Ziaul Haq told Daily Times that initial investigation said Shahmir died of a cardiac arrest. When asked if he was a drug addict, Zia was of the view that police found pack of cigarettes from his room but it could only be confirmed after post mortem report.

The LUMS has also issued a statement, saying: “It is with deep sorrow that we are writing to share very tragic news. Our LUMS student and hostel resident Shahmir Asif Bajwa has passed away.”

The statement claimed Shahmir was found unresponsive in bed in his room on December 12. The LUMS administration was called in when efforts to rouse him failed. Shahmir was immediately taken to the National Defence Hospital where doctors pronounced that he had expired earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Shahmir’s family has requested that their privacy be respected. “The matter is currently under investigation and we are not in a position to make any statement until the autopsy results are available. “We would be grateful if the media would respect the family’s privacy during this tragedy and refrain from any speculation as to the cause of death until the investigation is complete.”

The incident has caused panic and fear among students at the campus. They said that the LUMS administration should control “extensive use of drugs at campus and hostels”. Talking to Daily Times, several students accused security guards of allowing outsiders to go inside the campus and hostels without proper checking.

A student, residing at LUMS hostel, requesting anonymity, told Daily Times that it was administration’s negligence if drugs were being allowed to reach inside the campus. He said it was very difficult to check all students and their luggage, but still the administration should have proper check and balance. Student said if ever searched, large quantity of drugs could also be found from girls’ hostel.