Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit assured stringent action against those found guilty in the alleged ‘sex scandal’ that came to light in Devanga Arts College.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Governor added that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe will be ordered based on the findings of the high-level enquiry committee formed to look into the matter.

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His comments came amidst increasing demands from political parties in Tamil Nadu and students for a CBI probe into the matter which has enraged many in the state.

On Tuesday, the Governor ordered a probe by a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, R Santhanam, into allegations that a woman lecturer of the college located in Aruppukottai allegedly advised students “to adjust with some officials” in return for higher marks and money.

The college is affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), whose Chancellor is Governor Purohit.

The police arrested the woman, identified as a mathematics professor, on Monday evening after a long operation. Police in Virudhunagar district are currently questioning her.

The professor claimed to be close to the Governor and has denied any wrongdoing. When asked to comment on the same, the Governor told the reporters, “I don’t know her face nor have I ever met the lady. I don’t know that lady.”

PMK leader S Ramadoss on Tuesday said committees appointed by the Tamil Nadu Governor and the vice chancellor of MKU PP Chellathurai to probe an alleged sexual trafficking complaint were not legally valid.

“Governor Purohit is only a Chancellor of the University. He does not have the power to govern or probe malpractices in the colleges,” Ramadoss said.

DMK leader MK Stalin told reporters that only a V-C of a University can set up an inquiry committee and not the Governor who is the Chancellor.

“It is not known why the Governor as the Chancellor acted in this manner. There seems to be some confusion. Only a High Court monitored CBI probe would bring out the truth,” Stalin said.

The professor was suspended last month after female students accused her of the grave charge. But police action came only after audio clips of the woman allegedly asking some students to satisfy “higher-ups” went viral on Sunday.

Though MKU formed a five-member body to investigate the charges, it reportedly withdrew the body after the Governor announced a probe.

Those demanding a CBI probe want the names of the “higher-ups” to be revealed.