Madam Professor

More heads to roll in the Madurai Kamaraj University sex scandal.

- Lakshmi Subramanian

  A 19-minute audio clip involving an assistant professor has spawned endless debates over the sordid state of higher education in Tamil Nadu. As per the clip, Nirmala Devi, assistant professor, mathematics, Devanga Arts College at Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district, tried to lure four girl students to compromise their morals for money and marks. She said it was for a high-level official at the Madurai Kamaraj University, where she was attending a refresher course. The students complained to the college management, which constituted a committee, and, later, asked Nirmala to quit.

Though the incident took place in March, the audio clip was leaked to the media only on April 15. The next day, Nirmala was arrested from her house after a seven-hour-long drama. The MKU also set up an enquiry committee, which was later disbanded after Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is also chancellor of universities, formed a committee under retired IAS officer R. Santhanam. On April 17, Director General of Police T.K. Rajendran said the Crime BranchCrime Investigation Department will probe the sex scandal.