A Mahila court in Chennai has sentenced Gnanasekaran, a biryani vendor and known DMK supporter, to life imprisonment in connection with the sexual assault case at Anna University. The court found him guilty on all 11 charges, including rape, kidnapping, and intimidation. The assault, which took place on December 23, 2024, sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu. Gnanasekaran had broken into the university campus, attacked the survivor’s friend, and sexually assaulted the 19-year-old student, filming the act for blackmail.
The swift trial concluded in five months, earning praise from the High Court and the women’s court for the Tamil Nadu Police’s prompt and thorough investigation.
However, the verdict has triggered a sharp political exchange between the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami alleged that the DMK government rushed the probe to shield others potentially involved, referring to a mysterious “Sir” mentioned in the FIR. “Who saved ‘Sir’? The truth will come out once AIADMK returns to power,” he claimed.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin responded via social media, defending the state’s actions. “The case was resolved swiftly and fairly. The court’s appreciation of police efforts exposes the political motives of those exploiting a young woman’s tragedy,” he said.
The case continues to stir debate in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, highlighting ongoing concerns around justice, safety, and political accountability.