In a crucial judgment, a Mahila Court in Chennai on Wednesday found Gnanasekaran guilty in the high-profile Anna University sexual assault case. The court confirmed that all charges brought against the accused had been proven.
The incident took place around 8 pm on December 23, 2023, when Gnanasekaran—who resided in Kottur and ran a biryani stall near the university campus—allegedly trespassed onto the premises. He then reportedly sexually assaulted a female student in a secluded area and physically assaulted her male friend.
According to the police, Gnanasekaran also allegedly recorded a video of the assault and used it to blackmail the victims. Following the incident, he was arrested by the Greater Chennai Police and sent to prison.
The case soon took a political turn after photographs surfaced showing Gnanasekaran with members of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). While the DMK initially distanced itself, opposition parties, including the BJP, circulated images suggesting that the accused held a position within the party. BJP state president K. Annamalai alleged that Gnanasekaran was an office-bearer in the DMK’s student wing and shared images of him with senior DMK leaders.
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In response, Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathi dismissed the allegations, stating that Gnanasekaran was not an official party functionary. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin later addressed the issue in the state Assembly, clarifying the party’s position. “I assure you that the one arrested in the Chennai student case is not a member of DMK. He is a DMK sympathiser, we don’t deny it,” Stalin said.
Gnanasekaran had earlier approached the court with a petition seeking his release, claiming there was no concrete evidence against him and that his arrest was based on mere suspicion. The Tamil Nadu Police filed a counterpetition, and both sides presented their arguments in court.
Following directions from the Madras High Court, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to carry out a detailed investigation. The SIT later submitted a chargesheet to the Mahila Court, which led to Wednesday’s conviction. Gnanasekaran has now appealed to the court for leniency in sentencing, citing his mother’s poor health. The court is scheduled to pronounce the quantum of punishment on June 2.
Also Read: SC stays Madras HC order on police lapses in Anna Univ case
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