Chennai court orders 30-year minimum life term in Anna University sexual assault case

Gnanasekaran gets life imprisonment in Anna University sexual assault case

On Monday, a Chennai court sentenced Gnanasekaran, 37, to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 19-year-old Anna University student. The incident took place on the university campus in December 2024. As per the verdict issued by Judge M Rajalakshmi, Gnanasekaran must serve a minimum of 30 years without remission due to the gravity of the crime.

The conviction was announced five months after the crime, which drew public outrage and prompted statewide demonstrations over women’s safety.

Conviction and legal proceedings

Gnanasekaran was found guilty under multiple charges from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. He was escorted from Puzhal Central Prison for sentencing.

According to the First Information Report, Gnanasekaran coerced the victim into sexual acts after recording private footage of her and a male friend. He then used the threat of releasing the video to manipulate and assault the victim.

The accused had a history of criminal activity, with 20 cases on record and six prior convictions for theft and housebreaking.

Details of the assault incident

The student recounted that Gnanasekaran initially assaulted her male friend before threatening her with the video footage. He then led the victim to a secluded spot 200 meters away from the location and committed the assault. Gnanasekaran also took photos of her identification and her father’s contact details, threatening further exposure unless she continued to meet him.

Political reactions and protests

The ruling DMK welcomed the swift conviction, asserting it as evidence of the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women. DMK leader R S Bharathi stated that Gnanasekaran was arrested within 24 hours and a charge sheet was submitted within 60 days.

Meanwhile, opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami credited the conviction to persistent public pressure and protests. He pointed out unanswered questions and promised to push for the prosecution of any accomplices.

The “Who is that, Sir?” campaign launched by the AIADMK gained traction after the victim reported that Gnanasekaran pretended to receive instructions during the incident by referring to someone as “sir” on a phone call. Police later clarified that Gnanasekaran had faked the conversation using airplane mode to intimidate the victim.

Controversy over political links

Photos of Gnanasekaran with DMK ministers sparked accusations of political affiliation. While the DMK acknowledged Gnanasekaran as a supporter, they denied any official connection. Chief Minister M K Stalin reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice.

BJP leader K Annamalai publicly criticized the state police for allegedly leaking the victim’s identity and referred to Gnanasekaran as a repeat offender linked to the DMK. The party dismissed these claims, noting that public photos do not imply political ties.

Protests by BJP and AIADMK supporters continued, including demonstrations led by former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan.

University and legal responses

Following the incident, Anna University increased campus surveillance and security. A joint audit with the police was conducted to assess safety measures.

The Madras High Court, taking suo motu cognisance of the case, ordered the Tamil Nadu government to compensate the victim Rs.25 lakh and directed the university to fund her education. An all-women Special Investigation Team was also appointed to investigate the case further.

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