Madurai professor stabbed by ex-guest lecturer for not renewing contract

The woman professor, who heads the journalism and science communication department, was stabbed by the guest lecturer over her refusal to renew his contract.

A woman professor at the Madurai Kamaraj University in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai was stabbed several times on Tuesday by a former guest lecturer, who was annoyed after over her refusal to renew his contract, police said.

A former guest lecturer stabbed a professor at Madurai Kamaraj University. (Shutterstock)

Jothimurugan stabbed S Jenefa, who heads the journalism and science communication department, at her office several times and did not attempt to run away. Students and university officials caught hold of him and handed him over to the police, who arrested him.

The injured professor was rushed to the government general hospital from where she was shifted to a private hospital in the temple town. She received stab injuries in multiple places on her body, including her neck and abdomen.

She is out of danger, a senior police official said.

Jothimurugan was engaged as a lecturer during the last academic year on a temporary basis. But the department decided against renewing his contract this year over allegations of inappropriate behaviour with the college staff and a section of students, varsity sources said.

S Nagarathinam, associate professor and a senior colleague of Jenefa, said Jothimurugan was under depression and could have committed the crime out of his frustration.