Senior Anna University Professor Apprehended in Tirunelveli Hideout Following Student Complaint
In a significant development, a senior professor from Anna University was arrested from a concealed location in Tirunelveli on Friday evening. This action came swiftly after a female student lodged a formal complaint against him on Thursday, alleging serious misconduct.
Details of the Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities confirmed that Professor Gnanavel Babu was taken into custody and will be transported to Chennai by road, with an expected arrival by Saturday morning. Following the necessary inquiry procedures, he is slated to be remanded to judicial custody. The case has been officially registered under specific legal sections, and a comprehensive investigation is currently underway to examine all aspects of the allegations.
Nature of the Allegations and University Response
The complaint, filed at the office of the commissioner of police in Vepery on Thursday night, accuses Professor Gnanavel Babu of subjecting the student to continuous sexual harassment over the past three years. The alleged harassment included both in-person incidents and the sending of obscene text messages via mobile phone. In response to the serious nature of the accusations, Anna University administration took immediate disciplinary action by suspending the professor from his duties.
Acting promptly on the student's grievance, senior police officials directed the deputy commissioner of Mylapore to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This swift institutional and law enforcement response underscores the gravity with which such complaints are being treated.
Professor's Attempt to Evade Authorities
Following his suspension from the university, Professor Gnanavel Babu reportedly went underground, attempting to avoid legal proceedings. However, police efforts led to his successful apprehension in Tirunelveli, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement actions in such sensitive cases.
The case highlights the importance of robust mechanisms for addressing complaints of harassment in educational institutions and the critical role of prompt police intervention in ensuring justice for victims.
