Anna University Sexual Assault Case: Accused Gnanasekaran Found Guilty, Sentencing On June 2

A Chennai Mahila court on Wednesday delivered the verdict in the Anna University sexual assault case, pronouncing the accused, Gnanasekaran, guilty. Judge Rajalakshmi pronounced the judgement. The quantum of sentence will be pronounced on June 2.

An engineering student of Chennai's Anna University was allegedly sexually assaulted by accused Gnanasekaran on December 23, 2024 within the campus premise when she was out with her friend. As per FIR, the accused threatened the survivor, recorded videos of her, and took photos of her ID card. The accused was found to be a history-sheeter.

The Madras High Court took suo motu cognisance of the matter and constituted an all-women SIT comprising IPS officers Bhukya Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and S Brinda. A chargesheet was filed in the case on February 24.

The sexual assault allegation led to large scale protests by opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, including ADMK and DMK questioning law and order maintenance under the Stalin government. Then Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai flogged himself multiple times and took a vow that he will not wear slippers until the DMK is thrown out of power. As images of Gnanasekaran with DMK leaders started doing rounds, the opposition alleged that the ruling government is shielding him from police action.