Tamil Nadu professor tells students to ‘please’ officials for marks, arrested
The lecturer of Devanga Arts College allegedly advised students “to adjust with some officials” in return for higher marks and money, in what is seen as a suggestion for sexual favour.
A woman professor who allegedly tried to lure her students into extending sexual favours to top officials of a leading university in Tamil Nadu was on Monday arrested after the issue triggered widespread outrage in the state.
Nirmala Devi was arrested by a police team from her house after a five-hour operation. “We will produce her before a magistrate after preliminary inquiry,” said additional superintendent of police V Madi, adding that her relatives and a woman revenue official were summoned before the arrest.
A professor of Mathematics at Devanga Arts College (autonomous) in Aruppukottai , which is affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) , Nirmala Devi was suspended last month after girls complained to college authorities.
But the government stepped in after audio clips of her talking with some students suggesting that they keep ‘higher-ups’ happy so that the college gets facilities went viral on social media on Sunday. In the audio clip, the professor purpotedly asked the students to “grab the opportunity to do certain things secretly for a top official.”
The professor he is heard suggesting that the girls adjust with some (education) officials, “for getting 85 per cent mark and money.”
While Tamil Nadu higher education minister Anbazhagan promised stringent action in the matter, Governor Banwarilal Purohit, the chancellor of the university, ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter by a retired IAS officer, R. Santhanam.
The Madurai Kamaraj University also set up a five-member probe committee to probe the allegations made by girl students that their professor was asking them to give sexual favours to officials. The Tamil Nadu government too has sought a detailed report from the university. MKU vice chancellor PP Chellathurai told media persons that he had set up a committee to probe the matter.
(With agency inputs)