Engineering college CEO booked for sexually abusing student

Coimbatore: The Periyanaickenpalayam all-woman police on Thursday registered a case against the CEO of a private engineering college for sexually abusing a girl student, who was also employed with the college.

According to an investigation officer, while pursuing postgraduation (ME) at the private engineering college at Bettathapuram near Karamadai, the student, aged 23 years, was also working as an office staffer there.

"The engineering college's CEO, N Prasannan, 39, was in the habit of sending her messages on WhatsApp often. As he was a superior, she felt compelled to respond. Eventually, he began sending her inappropriate messages, which she deleted. After the office hours on March 15, Prasannan called her to the manager's office. When she entered, he locked the door, hugged and kissed her, and attempted to behave inappropriately," the officer said.

She managed to push him away and escape. Prasannan then threatened her, saying if she disclosed the incident to anyone, he would ensure that she could not complete her degree and terminate her employment.

"Distressed and unsure of what to do, she kept the incident to herself for a month, before confiding in her husband. She later informed the college management, but no action was taken against Prasannan," the officer said.

Subsequently, she filed a complaint with the Periyanaickenpalayam all-woman police. Based on an inquiry, police registered a case against Prasannan and are inquiring.