Chennai, Mar 28:
A senior professor at Anna University has been arrested by city police following a serious sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student, triggering fresh concerns over campus safety.
According to police sources, the accused, identified as Professor Gnanavel Babu, was taken into custody on March 27 after allegedly attempting to evade arrest. He was tracked down by a special police team in the Tirunelveli region while on the run and later brought back to Chennai for further investigation.
Three-Year Harassment Alleged
In her complaint, the student alleged that the professor had been harassing her for nearly three years, both in person and through phone calls and messages. Initially approaching her under the pretext of academic guidance and financial assistance, he allegedly began engaging in inappropriate and sexually explicit conversations, particularly during late-night calls.
The student further stated that the harassment escalated over time, with the professor allegedly making vulgar remarks, asking intrusive personal questions, and pressuring her to meet him outside the campus. When she attempted to block him, he reportedly contacted her friends to continue communication and harassment.
Multiple Complaints Surface
Investigations have revealed that the case may not be isolated. Police sources indicated that at least four other students have come forward with similar allegations against the professor, suggesting a pattern of misconduct. The complaint had earlier been submitted to the university’s Internal Complaints Committee (POSH) before being escalated to the police. Authorities have since registered a case under relevant sections related to sexual harassment and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.
Evidence and Probe
Police have seized the complainant’s mobile phone and are analysing call records, messages, and digital evidence to establish the extent of the allegations. A senior officer is overseeing the investigation, which is currently underway.
The university administration has suspended the professor pending a departmental inquiry. The incident has once again raised serious questions about student safety and grievance redressal mechanisms within higher educational institutions.
The latest case comes amid heightened scrutiny of safety on campuses, especially following previous high-profile incidents, and is likely to intensify calls for stricter monitoring and accountability in academic environments.