Arrest warrant issued against Nirmala Devi

Madurai

While the case was being tried in the Fast Track Court, Devi, the prime accused in the case, did not appear at a hearing scheduled on Monday, sources said.

Devi was arrested by Aruppukkottai Town police on April 16 last year on charges of allegedly luring girl students to extend favours to senior officials of the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) in return for higher marks.

Ahead of her arrest, an audio clip of her purported conversation with a few students had gone viral on social media. The CB-CID had filed a chargesheet in the case months after the arrest of other accused, including V. Murugan, assistant professor, formerly with the MKU, and S. Karuppasamy, former research scholar of the university, in the case.

However, Devi was granted bail by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on March 12 this year, after completing nearly 11 months of imprisonment. But, since Devi failed to appear before the Srivilliputhur Fast Track Mahila Court on Monday, Judge Parimala issued the arrest warrant against her.

Counsel for the petitioner stated that since Devi behaved strangely and found to be mentally disturbed after she was let on bail, she had been undergoing treatment for mental health problems in a clinic at Tirunelveli. As medical treatment was being provided, Devi could not appear before the court, counsel said.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android