(image/annauniv.edu)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: A Mahila Court in Chennai on Wednesday found Gnanasekaran, the main accused in the Anna University sexual assault case, guilty of all 11 charges filed against him. The verdict stated that the “prosecution has proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt,” marking a major development in a case that had sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu.
The court will pronounce the verdict on June 2. Gnanasekaran has sought leniency, citing his mother’s ill health.
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On the night of December 23, 2024, Gnanasekaran, a 37-year-old biryani vendor near Anna University, allegedly entered the university premises and sexually assaulted a female student who was with her male friend behind a building on the campus. He also reportedly assaulted the male student, filmed the incident, and used the footage to blackmail the duo.
The incident had raised serious questions about campus security, particularly since Anna University is located near the high-security zones of Raj Bhavan and IIT Madras.
Following the incident, Gnanasekaran was arrested by Greater Chennai Police and remanded to judicial custody. The Madras High Court directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which later submitted a detailed chargesheet.
The case also took a political turn when photos of Gnanasekaran with leaders of the ruling DMK emerged. BJP state president K. Annamalai alleged that the accused was a DMK student wing office-bearer.
While Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Regupathi denied these allegations, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin acknowledged in the Assembly that Gnanasekaran was a “DMK sympathiser,” but not an official member.
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During the trial, Gnanasekaran filed a petition seeking discharge from the case, arguing a lack of evidence. The Tamil Nadu Police countered the plea.
Gnanasekaran has been found guilty under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act.
