A Fast Track Mahila Court in Srivilliputtur, on 29 April 2024, convicted former assistant professor Nirmala Devi for attempting to traffic four girl students from Devanga Arts College. A case that came into the spotlight in 2018
The Judge S. Umamaheshwari, acquitted the two other accused in the case- a university official and a former principal of college-for lack of sufficient evidence. Nirmala Devi’s sentence is yet to be announced. The prosecution sought the maximum term under the Prevention of Immoral Traffic (PITA) Act.
The case began in 2018, when Nirmala Devi, a respected faculty member at Devanga Arts College, was arrested for reportedly forcing four final-year students into sexual favours for a high-ranking university administrator in return for improved marks and test results. The charges sent shockwaves across the academic world, raising worries about the exploitation of vulnerable students and the possibility of power abuse within educational institutions.
During the trial, which lasted many years, the prosecution submitted testimony from four students who claimed Nirmala Devi made improper approaches and forced them to meet with a university administrator. However, the defence contested these charges, claiming that the students made up the narrative out of personal antipathy for Nirmala Devi.
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The dismissal of the charges against the university administrator and former principal is expected to create concerns. While the court did not expand on the reasons for their release, several legal experts feel that the prosecution may have failed to show a strong link between the two defendants and the alleged trafficking effort.
Despite the divided judgment, Nirmala Devi’s conviction sends a clear message that exploitative behaviour in educational institutions will not be condoned.
Following the ruling, the counsel for the victims voiced hesitant hope. “While we are happy that the court has found Nirmala Devi guilty, the acquittal of the other accused leaves some questions unanswered,” the lawyer stated. “We are hopeful that the court will pronounce a strong sentence that deters such crimes in the future.”
