In a significant legal development, a former assistant professor, Nirmala Devi, has been handed a 10-year jail term by a court in Tamil Nadu for her involvement in sex trafficking students to university officials in exchange for favors.
The court’s verdict on Monday found Nirmala Devi guilty under multiple sections, including attempting to traffick four women, and imposed a fine of ₹2.4 lakh. However, two other individuals, including a male assistant professor, were acquitted in the case.
Nirmala Devi, who previously worked at Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai, came under scrutiny in 2018 following the circulation of a recorded telephonic conversation. In the conversation, she was heard tacitly soliciting sexual favors from students to be provided to university authorities. This revelation sparked a significant controversy and drew attention from various quarters, including the Raj Bhavan.
At the time of her arrest, the incident garnered widespread media coverage and public outrage. The then Governor of Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit, quickly addressed the allegations, although concerns persisted regarding the broader issue of misconduct and exploitation within educational institutions.
The court’s verdict reflects a firm stance against such illicit activities and underscores the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of students within academic settings. The case serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to prevent and address instances of abuse of power and exploitation, particularly involving vulnerable individuals such as students.
Sources By Agencies
