The Tiruchi District Cyber Crime Police on Thursday arrested a Professor of National Institute of Technology, Tiruchi, on charges of sending obscene and defamatory messages through email about a woman Assistant Professor of the same institute to her husband. The arrest of Professor Jerald, 53, was based on a complaint lodged by the woman, Assistant Professor. According to police, Jerald used an email ID and sent obscene messages and messages defaming the woman Assistant Professor’s reputation, to her husband’s mail ID, thereby insulting her modesty and causing her mental harassment.The sources said Jerald continued to circulate such defamatory messages electronically, following which the woman Assistant Professor, lodged a complaint with the Tiruchi District Cyber Crime police station a few days ago. Acting on the complaint, the Cyber Crime Police registered a case under various BNS sections, as well as under section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act and under section 67 of the Information Technology Act and conducted inquiries before arresting Jerald on Thursday. He was subsequently sent for remand. Published - July 23, 2026 08:12 pm IST