Trichy: An assistant professor at a college in Musiri was arrested under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act for allegedly sexually harassing a 17-year-old blind student over the phone.

The accused, identified as T Nagaraj, 47, was taken into custody by Musiri All Women Police after the girl’s parents lodged a complaint. He was also booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The arrest followed an internal inquiry conducted by the college, regional joint director (RJD), and the district social welfare department after an audio clip of the conversation between the professor and the student went viral. Nagaraj was placed under suspension based on the findings. Sources said inquiry by the internal committee of the college found several instances of misconduct by the professor, including threatening students with internal marks, humiliating them in class, and subjecting them to harassment.

Following his suspension, the complaint was formally lodged at the station, leading to his arrest. Nagaraj was produced before a court in Trichy and remanded in judicial custody on Saturday.