Tamil Nadu: Lecturer advises girls to 'adjust' for grades, arrested
Nirmala Devi, an assistant professor of Devanga Arts college in Virudhunagar, was arrested, on Monday, for allegedly advising female students to 'adjust' with higher officials for better grades. The lecturer's offer was seen as a sexual favor. An action was taken against Nirmala Devi after her telephonic conversation with four students went viral. A complaint was lodged by a local women association and the college.
The overtures made a month ago were all in the 'right spirit', the teacher claimed. Reportedly, in the conversation, she asked girls to 'adjust' with some education officials for 85% marks. The incident has created a massive uproar.
According to Newsminute.com, the lecturer told students she can help them achieve a lot if they agreed. "You will get financial support and academic support also. I don't know if you will tell your parents or not. We will open an account for you and will put money for you," she reportedly said. She even threatened them to stay quiet or face consequences.
At one point in the 19-minute-long conversation, Nirmala Devi said, "In order to finish some things successfully they're expecting college students. Till now, I have not gone down to that level. I can only say so much. I believe you will understand what they expect."
The students told the lecturer they weren't interested and would like to get government posts, and the latter called them naive. Nirmala Devi allegedly said she has a connection going all the way to the governor. "I wasn't planning to bring this up till you are in the third year. You won't get another opportunity like this. You think about it again," she added.
Principal-in-charge Ramasamy revealed the students complained about Nirmala Devi on March 19, following which she was and still is suspended. He said a report by three professors on the matter led to her suspension. Fisheries minister D Jayakumar demanded a stern government action against such 'black sheep', while DMK working president MK Stalin called for a CBI probe.
