MKU scandal: Srivilliputhur Court convicts Prof Nirmala Devi for luring students for sexual favours case

CHENNAI: Fast Track Mahila court in Srivilliputhur on Monday convicted Nirmal Devi, a primary accused involved in luring students into giving sexual favours for higher officials at the Madurai Kamaraj University in 2018.

Nirmala was convicted under five sections including the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.

According to reports, she has been shifted from Srivilliputhur to Madurai Central Jail with full police protection.

The court announced that the conviction details including years of imprisonment will be announced on 30 April 2024.

Later, the case was transferred to CB-CID and during the investigation, two more persons, MKU Assistant professor Murugan and research student Karupasamy were found to be involved in the crime. Following the arrest, the trio were eventually lodged in the prison and were granted bail later.

According to procedures, confidentiality statements were obtained from the concerned students.

Judge T Bhagwati Ammal announced that the verdict would be delivered on April 26 in this case after investigations were complete. Murugan and Karuppasamy from Madurai Kamarajar University, who were arrested in the case, appeared in court. However, Nirmala Devi was not present, and the reason for her absence was cited that she was not well. 

In 2018, Aruppukottai police booked Nirmala Devi under various sections based on the complaint lodged by girl students for allegedly persuading them to offer sexual favors to top officials of Madurai Kamaraj University.

Later, the then Governor of the State and Chancellor of the University, Banwarilal Purohit appointed retired IAS officer R Santhanam to probe into the matter. The case was transferred to CB-CID and all three accused were charged under Sections 370 (1) and (3) for a bid to traffic persons, 120 (B) criminal conspiracy and under provisions of the Immoral Trafficking Act, Information Technology Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.

Meanwhile lawyers attached to the offfice of public prosecutor told media that steps would be taken to go an appeal against the aquittal of two other college staff who were booked along with Nirmala Devi.

(With inputs from Bureau)