Anna University Sexual Assault Accused Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison, Fined Rs 90,000

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Anna University Sexual Assault Accused Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison, Fined Rs 90,000

A special court in Chennai on Friday sentenced Gnanasekaran, the accused in the Anna University sexual assault case, to 30 years imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 90,000 after finding him guilty on all eleven charges. The verdict brings closure to a high-profile case that had sparked political controversy and raised serious questions about campus security.

Justice Rajalakshmi, presiding over the Mahila Court proceedings, delivered the maximum punishment following Gnanasekaran’s conviction earlier this week on charges substantiated through documentary and forensic evidence.

The sexual assault occurred around 8 pm on December 23, 2024, when Gnanasekaran, a resident of Kottur who operated a biryani stall near the Anna University campus, allegedly entered the premises and sexually assaulted a female student in a secluded area. He also assaulted her male friend during the incident.

According to Greater Chennai Police, Gnanasekaran recorded a video of the assault and used it to blackmail the victims. He was arrested and remanded to judicial custody following the complaint.

The case took a political turn when photographs surfaced showing Gnanasekaran with functionaries of the ruling DMK party. BJP leader K Annamalai alleged that the accused was a DMK student wing office-bearer and shared photographs of him with party leaders.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathi rejected these allegations, maintaining that Gnanasekaran was not a party office-bearer. Chief Minister K Stalin addressed the matter in the Legislative Assembly, stating: “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.”

A Special Investigation Team was constituted following directions from the Madras High Court to investigate the case. The team filed a chargesheet in the Mahila Court with charges framed under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act.

Gnanasekaran had earlier filed a petition seeking discharge from the case, claiming lack of evidence and stating his arrest was based on suspicion. However, the court rejected his plea after hearing arguments from both sides.

Before sentencing, the accused requested leniency citing his mother’s poor health, but the court proceeded with the maximum punishment under the applicable sections.

The incident has raised serious concerns about security at Anna University, one of Tamil Nadu’s premier technical institutions. The case highlights the vulnerability of students on campus premises, particularly during evening hours.

The swift investigation and conviction demonstrate the state’s commitment to ensuring justice in cases of sexual violence, particularly those involving students and educational institutions.

The verdict is expected to serve as a deterrent and reinforces the message that sexual crimes will be dealt with severely under the law.

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