Widely known as Nakkheeran Gopal, the journalist was detained by the cops at Chennai airport, while he was heading for Pune to attend an event.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit apologises to woman journalist over ‘pat on cheek’ row; scribe not convinced

He is being questioned by the police at Chintadripet police station. The MDMK leader Vaiko is staging a dharna in front of the police station demanding the police to allow him to meet Gopal. Vaiko was also detained by the police today over his protest.

The Opposition leaders, including DMK chief MK Stalin, have condemned Gopal’s arrest.

Nirmala Devi, who was an assistant professor with a college in Aruppukkottai, was arrested in April this year for coaxing four of her pupils to yield to sexual urges of higher officials and VVIP’s.

Madurai Kamaraj University Sex Scandal: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit dismisses allegations, says never met Prof Nirmala Devi

In a press conference called by the Governor in the wake of the scandal — in which he was grilled by the media about his name being mentioned in Nirmala Devi’s viral audio clip — Purohit kept dismissing all allegations against him as falsehood.

“It’s a total falsehood. I don’t know the lady. I have not met the lady. I’m 78-years-old. I’ve great-grandchildren,” he had said.