A professor of Sarah Tucker College, Palayamkottai, a 131-year-old government-aided institution being administered by Tirunelveli CSI Diocese, was placed under suspension on charges of demanded ₹1 lakh from a research student.
Following complaints from research student Aditya, who hails from neighbouring Thoothukudi, correspondent of the college Soundarapandian placed under suspension Leelavathi Packiyathai of Department of Commerce on Thursday.
According to Ms. Aditya, she is doing research in commerce under the guidance of Leelavathi. She alleged the professor demanded ₹1 lakh from her for guiding her. The research student also shared on social media her telephonic conversation with her research guide relating to the purported transaction in support of her complaint, submitted to the college principal and the correspondent.
Subsequently, the management of Sarah Tucker College constituted an inquiry committee to probe the charges against one of its senior faculty member.
After Ms. Aditya’s complaint and her purported telephic conversation with Ms Leelavathi was widely shared on social media, the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), S. Prabhakar said the university had asked the management of the college to probe the complaint and submit its report. “Based on the findings of the inquiry, appropriate action will be taken,” Dr. Prabhakar said.
Meanwhile, the inquiry revealed prima facie charges to proceed against Ms Leelavathi and she was placed under suspension, university sources said.
Published - October 16, 2026 06:28 pm IST