Tamil Nadu Professor Impregnates Student, Forces Abortion

Thalambur police on Sunday arrested an assistant professor at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, Melakottaiyur, for allegedly impregnating a 23-year-old student and coercing her into a medical abortion at a private hospital in Padur, The Times of India reported.

The accused, Rajesh Kumar (45), hails from Namakkal and has been serving as an assistant professor at the university since 2017. According to police, Rajesh was involved in a relationship with the student, who resides in the university's hostel and is currently in her second year of study.

The incident came to light when the student, who was two months pregnant, was taken by Rajesh to a private hospital in Padur for a medical termination of pregnancy. Complications during the procedure led to excessive bleeding, putting the student in a critical condition. Hospital authorities, suspecting irregularities, promptly informed the Thalambur police.

Following the alert, police rushed to the hospital and transferred the student to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for further treatment. Based on the student's statement, Rajesh Kumar was arrested and later remanded to judicial custody.

During questioning, Rajesh reportedly gave inconsistent statements regarding his involvement, which further raised suspicion. Investigations later confirmed his responsibility in the matter.

University officials stated that the student had not submitted any formal complaint to them. However, an internal inquiry has been initiated by the university administration following the registration of an FIR by the police.

Sources also confirmed that Rajesh had recently gotten married and was living in a rented house near the university, despite his ongoing relationship with the student.
In addition to the arrest, authorities have begun probing the private hospital for possible violations of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act. Health department officials are working with police to assess the hospital's compliance with legal and ethical procedures in conducting the abortion.

Police arrested Rajesh on charges of inducing miscarriage without the consent of the woman, sexual intercourse by a person in authority, and concealment of the fact of his earlier marriage from the victim.