A professor at Anna University in Chennai has been arrested following serious allegations of prolonged sexual harassment and stalking made by a woman student, prompting both a police investigation and internal action by the institution.
The accused, identified as A. Gnavel Babu, is alleged to have harassed the student over several years through repeated phone calls, inappropriate conversations, explicit messages, and even offers of financial assistance. According to the complaint, the interaction began during the student’s second year when the professor offered to help her secure an internship after learning about her financial difficulties.
The situation reportedly escalated in her third year, when the professor allegedly began forcing continued communication, making intrusive and inappropriate remarks about her innerwear and menstrual cycle, and raising personal topics such as marriage. The student also claimed that he would call her late at night and continued attempts to contact her even after she blocked his number, including reaching out through her friends.
The complainant submitted her grievance to the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office and had earlier approached the university’s Internal Complaints Committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) framework. She has sought a “safe inquiry” to ensure that other potential victims feel encouraged to come forward, alleging that more students may have faced similar behaviour.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, along with provisions related to stalking under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The accused was subsequently arrested in Tirunelveli by a special police team and is being brought to Chennai for further questioning.
The incident has triggered protests on campus, with students alleging that earlier complaints were not acted upon effectively. They have demanded the immediate removal of the professor and reforms in the university’s grievance redressal mechanisms.
Following the registration of the FIR and growing unrest, Anna University has placed the professor under suspension pending the outcome of both internal and police inquiries.
The case has also drawn political attention. BJP leader K. Annamalai expressed concern over the incident and questioned the functioning of the university’s PoSH committee, while seeking accountability from the state’s higher education authorities. Separately, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) criticised the government, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation, strict legal action if the allegations are proven, and enhanced safety measures for female students.
Police have stated that a detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the allegations and identify any additional victims, if any.
