Chennai: Former BJP Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai has strongly condemned allegations that a professor at Anna University sexually harassed female students, and called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the truth.
In a statement, he said it was shocking that such accusations have surfaced from an educational institution where students’ safety must be assured. He described repeated incidents of this nature within campuses as deeply unfortunate and unacceptable.
Citing the complainant’s account, Annamalai said the student has alleged that the professor engaged in inappropriate behaviour over the past two years, and that more students may have been affected. He urged that students from the professor’s department be questioned in a safe and confidential manner.
He said the Tamil Nadu Police have a responsibility to conduct a full probe, ensure protection for all students, and take stringent legal action if the professor’s guilt is established. He also questioned whether the university’s PoSH (sexual harassment prevention and complaints committee) has been functioning effectively, and said Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan must answer the public.
Annamalai appealed to women and students who face sexual harassment to come forward without fear and file complaints, saying their courage is key to bringing offenders before the law.
