Four individuals, including professors, were arrested for sexually harassing female students at Valparai Government Arts and Science College in Coimbatore district. The incident came to light following a complaint to the Women's Commission.
Coimbatore: Four individuals, including professors, have been arrested for allegedly sexually harassing female students at the Valparai Government Arts and Science College in Coimbatore district.
The incident came to light after a complaint letter was sent to the Women's Commission under the collective name of female students from the college. Based on the complaint, a team of officials from the Social Welfare Department and Education Department conducted a thorough investigation at the college, interviewing students, professors, and staff members.
During the investigation, six female students reported instances of sexual harassment to the investigating officials. The inquiry revealed that temporary professors Satheesh Kumar (39), Murali Raj (33), Raja Pandi, and lab technician Anbarasu (37) had been continuously engaging in sexual harassment. Their actions included sending inappropriate replies to students' WhatsApp statuses, holding hands, and touching the students inappropriately.
Following a complaint filed by the District Social Welfare Officer, a case has been registered against the accused under Section 75(1) of the POCSO Act and the Prevention of Atrocities Against Women Act. On the orders of Coimbatore District Superintendent of Police Karthikeyan, four special teams were formed under the leadership of Valparai DSP Srinidhi.
Three of the accused - temporary professors Satheesh Kumar (39), Murali Raj (33), and lab technician Anbarasu (37) - were initially arrested. The fourth accused, temporary professor Raja Pandi, who had been in hiding, was later apprehended by the special police team.
This incident follows the recent shocking murder of a female trainee doctor in Kolkata, who was also subjected to sexual harassment. There has been a disturbing trend of women facing sexual harassment in hospitals, hostels, and colleges. Such behavior is highly condemnable. Both central and state governments must ensure the safety of women in educational institutions and workplaces. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.