I’ve never met Nirmala Devi, says Governor

In the wake of widespread condemnation following the claims made by suspended assistant professor of Devanga Arts College, Aruppukottai, P Nirmala Devi, who has been arrested for allegedly luring students to favour some Madurai Kamaraj University officials and that she had access to Governor Banwarilal Purohit in a leaked tape, the Governor on Tuesday clarified that he had never ever met the academician. 

In an urgently-convened press conference, the Governor said, “I don’t know that woman at all. I have never seen her before and have not listened to the audio clip. I have attended several convocations. Several persons are on the dais and keep moving throughout the programme”. 

When asked about Nirmala Devi’s mention of his office when seeking special favours from students, Purohit, who was visibly upset, said, “I am 78 and have a great grandson. Don’t trust such words.” 

Stating that the matter was serious, the Governor assured that stringent action would be taken against those found guilty in the case. “There is no doubt that guilty will be punished,” he said, adding, that the one-man committee, headed by retired IAS officer TR Santhanam, would submit a report within a week. 

Even as Opposition parties sought a CBI probe in the case and the rescindment of the Governor with his office being mentioned in the tape, Purohit clarified that a CBI investigation would be ordered, if necessary. “After receiving the report, I will decide what should be done”. 

State DGP TK Rajendran on Tuesday transferred the Nirmala Devi case to CB-CID for further investigation. A press release stated that considering the importance of the case, a decision has been taken to send the case to the investigative agency.