Tamil Nadu Sexual Assault Case: A Mahila Court in Chennai on Wednesday pronounced A Gnanasekaran guilty in the high-profile Anna University woman student sexual assault case, nearly six months after the incident sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu. The court held that the prosecution had proven all 11 charges filed against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. Judge Rajalakshmi announced that sentencing will be delivered on June 2.
The prosecution has sought the maximum punishment, arguing that the crime was grave and had a deep societal impact. Gnanasekaran, who was present in court, pleaded for leniency, claiming he was the sole breadwinner of his family. However, the prosecution strongly opposed this plea, emphasising the need for a strong deterrent against crimes targeting women.
What is the Anna University sexual assault case?
The case surfaced on December 23, 2024, when the victim, a student from Anna University, lodged a complaint at the All Women Police Station in Kotturpuram. She alleged that Gnanasekaran had approached her and a male friend, threatened them, and sexually harassed her.
The incident triggered massive public and media attention, particularly after the FIR was leaked online and widely circulated. Amid the outrage, the Madras High Court intervened, transferring the probe to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which also looked into the FIR leak.
Gnanasekaran, a biryani vendor, was initially arrested and then released, before being re-arrested—a sequence that drew criticism and raised questions about procedural lapses and political interference.
Political fallout and DMK connection allegations
The case also stirred political controversy, with allegations about Gnanasekaran’s proximity to members of the ruling DMK. Chief Minister M K Stalin had clarified earlier that Gnanasekaran was not a party member but merely a supporter.
Opposition AIADMK, however, seized on the issue. Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the conviction but questioned the government’s handling of the case. He demanded clarity on why the accused was initially released and accused police of shielding influential individuals.
He also raised concerns about the resignation of Dy SP Raghavendra Ravi from the SIT and claimed there was undue haste in declaring Gnanasekaran the sole accused. Palaniswami vowed that if AIADMK returned to power in 2026, all those connected to the case would be brought to justice.
The final sentencing in the case will be pronounced on June 2.