Professor arrested for harassment over remarks on student's innerwear, periods

A professor at Anna University in Chennai has been arrested on charges of sexual harassment and stalking following allegations by a woman student, police said.

The complainant submitted her complaint at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office, alleging that Professor A Gnavel Babu had harassed her over a prolonged period through phone calls, inappropriate conversations, explicit messages, and even offers of money. She stated that the harassment began when she was in her second year, when the professor offered to help her secure an internship after learning about her family’s financial struggles.

According to the complaint, the situation worsened in her third year, when the professor allegedly forced her to stay in contact, spoke about her innerwear, discussed her menstrual cycle, and raised personal topics such as marriage. The student also alleged that the professor would call her after 10 pm and continued attempts to reach her even after she blocked him, including contacting her through friends. She later approached the college’s Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) mechanism.

The student has requested a “safe inquiry” to encourage other victims to come forward and share their experiences. She also alleged that several other female students may have been subjected to similar harassment.

Police registered a case under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, and Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for stalking. A senior police official said the accused, identified as Gnanavel Babu, was arrested in Tirunelveli by a special Chennai police team and is being brought to the city for interrogation.

The arrest comes amid protests on campus, with students alleging that no concrete action was taken despite earlier complaints. They have demanded the immediate removal of the professor and reforms in the university’s grievance redressal system.

Following the FIR and growing unrest, Anna University placed the professor under immediate suspension pending a detailed internal and police inquiry.

The case has also triggered political reactions. Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai expressed “deep shock” over the incident and questioned why such cases continue to recur in a premier institution. He raised concerns over the functioning of the university’s PoSH committee and called for accountability from Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian.

Separately, TVK criticised the state government, alleging that repeated incidents have raised serious concerns about women’s safety in Tamil Nadu’s educational institutions. The party demanded a thorough and impartial investigation, strict legal action if the allegations are proven, and adequate security for female students. It also urged authorities to ensure that all affected students are questioned in a confidential and sensitive manner.

Police said a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of the allegations and identify any additional victims.

- Ends