A 52-year-old professor at a private college was arrested near Thiruverumbur here on Wednesday on charges of sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl student.

Police sources said the accused, S Tamil, called the first-year student to his room on Sept 13 and asked her if she has a mobile phone and offered to buy her one. Then he allegedly misbehaved with her. Shocked by his actions, the student fled the room and informed her classmates. Later, she reported the incident to college’s vice-principal and the class in-charge, but allegedly no action was taken, police said.

The girl then narrated the ordeal to her parents, who filed a complaint with police. The complaint was transferred to the Thiruverumbur all woman police station, where a case was registered under the Pocso Act.

Following an inquiry, police arrested the professor on Wednesday. He was lodged in Trichy central prison.

Police said the girl’s parents also sought action against college staff who allegedly neglected their daughter’s complaint. Action will be taken based on further investigation, police added.