Three More Female Students File Sexual Hararassment Complaints Against Anna University Professor
In a significant development, three more female students from Anna University have come forward to lodge sexual harassment complaints against professor Gnanavel Babu. This follows his recent arrest based on a complaint from a final-year female student, highlighting a growing pattern of alleged misconduct at the institution.
Initial Complaint and Arrest Details
The case began on Thursday when the first complaint was officially filed at the city police commissioner's office in Chennai. The student alleged that professor Gnanavel Babu had been harassing her for over three years, engaging in inappropriate discussions about private matters both in person and over the phone. In response, the Abiramapuram all-women police conducted a thorough investigation, leading to his arrest.
Police tracked Gnanavel Babu to a hideout in Tirunelveli, specifically at a relative's house in Valliyoor, where he was apprehended on Friday night. He was subsequently brought to Chennai for further legal proceedings. The university authorities have placed him under suspension after the issue was presented before the harassment prevention committee, demonstrating institutional action against the allegations.
Expansion of Complaints and Police Investigation
Officers have confirmed that three additional students have now stepped forward to file complaints against Gnanavel Babu. Two of these complaints were submitted via email, while the third emerged during an all-women police inquiry conducted with female students at the university. This inquiry was part of a broader effort to encourage victims to come forward in a safe and discreet manner.
The initial complainant had indicated that the professor was harassing several other female students, who were reportedly afraid and reluctant to file official reports. She specifically requested that the investigation be handled discreetly to ensure their safety, a concern that police are addressing through careful procedures.
Legal Proceedings and Digital Evidence Analysis
After his arrest, Gnanavel Babu was questioned at a police station in connection with the sexual harassment allegations and audio clips revealed by the student. He was then examined at a government hospital on Saturday evening and produced before a magistrate court in Saidapet. The court remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days, and he was taken to Puzhal prison.
Cybercrime experts are actively involved in the investigation, examining the professor's mobile phone to retrieve deleted videos, audios, and photographs. This digital analysis aims to determine if he was involved in more such cases, with teams working meticulously to uncover any additional evidence.
Ongoing Police Efforts and Student Support
To facilitate further complaints, all-women police teams from Mylapore have been assigned by Deputy Commissioner Karthik to interact with students. These teams are tasked with providing a supportive environment for any individuals who wish to come forward and lodge formal complaints against the professor. This initiative underscores the commitment to addressing sexual harassment issues comprehensively and sensitively within the university community.
The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the allegations, with a focus on ensuring justice for the affected students while maintaining confidentiality and safety throughout the process.
