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‘Probe will check involvement of varsity officials’

Updated - April 18, 2018 07:25 am IST - CHENNAI

CHENNAI, 17/04/2018: For Tamil Nadu Desk : Retired IAS officer R. Santhanam, who has been appointed by the Governor to probe the Aruppukottai incident. Photo: Special Arrangement

CHENNAI, 17/04/2018: For Tamil Nadu Desk : Retired IAS officer R. Santhanam, who has been appointed by the Governor to probe the Aruppukottai incident. Photo: Special Arrangement

Retired IAS officer R. Santhanam, who has been appointed by Governor Banwarilal Purohit to probe the Aruppukottai sex scandal, is set to commence his probe on Thursday. In an interview, he said the probe would find out if any university officials were involved in the scandal, and if so, seek to determine the extent of their involvement. Excerpts:

The Governor has appointed you to probe the case. What would be the terms of reference for your probe?

The terms of reference given to me is to conduct an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the immoral conversation between the woman professor and the girl students.

How would your inquiry be different from the probe that the CB-CID would be conducting?

I will follow the terms of reference and find out whether university officials were involved and to what extent they were involved.

When do you plan to commence the probe?

I would be starting the investigation on Thursday. I’ll be in Madurai on Thursday and would be meeting some university officials. I will reach Aruppukottai on Friday. Anyone with any information regarding this issue is free to approach me.

When can we expect the report?

I have been given two weeks to complete the inquiry and submit the report.

There have been demands that committees probing sexual harassment complaints should have a woman member. Would you be taking the help of a woman for the probe?

Yes, if needed. But I have to find a suitable person first.

The accused has been arrested and is in judicial custody. How would you question her?

I would be taking the help of the local authorities and would find a way to meet her. I request the general public and the press to extend full cooperation.

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