Professor forces students into sex work showcausing the benefits

Chennai, April 16: An audio clip that allegedly exposes a Tamil Nadu professor's attempt to lure female students into sex work has sent shock waves across the state.

According to the complaint filed by the students of Madurai Kamaraj University, in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district an assistant professor of a private Arts college has been under suspension for seeking sexual favors from the students for higher officials.

The incident gained spotlight after a telephonic conversation held between the professor and the girl students were leaked online on Sunday. The college has further initiated an inquiry into the allegations.

In the clip of a telephonic conversation, which lasts for close to 19 minutes, Nirmala Devi, an assistant professor associated to the Mathematics Department is heard telling the women, whose identities have not been made public, that an 'opportunity' has come their way. And that they are expected to do certain things 'secretly' for a very senior official of the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) to which the college is affiliated.

In return for their cooperation, Nirmala Devi tells them, "On the academic side, I can take the four of you to a big level, I can assure you that. He is that big an official. I will make sure that your marks are not affected. 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."

When the students ask her to elaborate on what needs to be done, she says, "In order to finish some things successfully they are 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. If you accept this scheme, MKU will be your backbone."

She further threatens them by saying that if the news comes out, the girls will be subjected to negative comments. But she claims that agreeing to this 'opportunity' will take them to a 'big level'.