Anna University Sexual Assault Accused Gnanasekaran Found Guilty on All Charges by Chennai Court
A Mahila Court in Chennai on Wednesday found Gnanasekaran, the main accused in the Anna University sexual assault case, guilty on all charges related to the December 2024 incident that sparked outrage and political controversy across Tamil Nadu.
The verdict comes nearly five months after the horrific assault of a female student on the university campus and marks a significant step toward justice. The court will pronounce the quantum of punishment on June 2.
On the night of December 23, 2024, Gnanasekaran, a 40-year-old biryani stall owner residing in Kottur, allegedly entered the Anna University campus around 8 pm. According to police reports, he sexually assaulted a female student in a secluded area and physically attacked her male friend. He is also accused of filming the incident and later blackmailing the victims.
The Greater Chennai Police arrested Gnanasekaran soon after the survivors filed a complaint. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up on the orders of the Madras High Court, and a chargesheet was later filed in the Mahila Court.
The case triggered political tensions when photographs surfaced of Gnanasekaran with leaders of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Opposition parties, including the BJP, alleged that the accused held a position in the DMK’s student wing.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai posted images online, claiming Gnanasekaran was a party functionary. DMK, however, denied official links. Chief Minister MK Stalin clarified in the Assembly that while Gnanasekaran was not a member, he was a DMK “sympathiser”.
“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, countering the political backlash.
Gnanasekaran had earlier moved the court for release, citing lack of evidence and calling his arrest a case of mistaken identity. His plea was rejected after police presented substantial evidence, including testimonies, surveillance footage, and forensic reports.
With the court ruling against him, Gnanasekaran has now appealed for leniency in sentencing, citing his mother’s deteriorating health.
The assault sent shockwaves across Tamil Nadu, with student groups and women’s rights activists demanding stringent punishment. The case gained widespread media attention and reignited conversations around women’s safety on educational campuses.
Social media users expressed relief at the guilty verdict. “Justice for the Anna University survivor is finally here. Hoping for the strictest punishment,” one user wrote.
Anna University, one of Tamil Nadu’s premier educational institutions, was rocked by the incident just days before Christmas. The attack took place despite the presence of campus security and CCTV coverage, leading to questions about university safety protocols.
The case also highlighted broader concerns over campus security and the need for stricter screening of vendors operating near educational zones.
