In a deeply troubling incident, a second-year engineering student at Anna University was sexually assaulted, and her male friend attacked by a roadside vendor within the university campus on the evening of December 23. The matter came to light after the victim lodged a police complaint on December 24, prompting swift action by the authorities.
The accused, 37-year-old Gnanasekaran, who runs a roadside eatery in Kotturpuram near the university, was arrested after police reviewed CCTV footage from the premises. "The suspect has confessed to the crime," a senior police officer revealed. Reports indicate that Gnanasekaran is a repeat offender who had previously been apprehended for similar misconduct but was released.
The assault occurred when the student and her male friend were conversing near a building on the university campus after dinner. Gnanasekaran reportedly intimidated the duo, attacked the male student, and dragged the girl into nearby bushes, where he committed the assault.
The survivor is currently undergoing counseling, and a case has been registered under multiple sections of the law, including charges for rape and sexual harassment. Police are collaborating with the University Internal Complaints Committee (ICC-POSH) to investigate the incident thoroughly.
This horrifying incident has ignited widespread outrage, with student associations staging protests outside the university, demanding enhanced security measures for campus residents. Anna University, located in upscale Guindy, spans hundreds of acres and is considered one of Tamil Nadu's premier engineering institutions.
Opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, criticized the state government for what they described as a deteriorating law and order situation. Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai further alleged political links by sharing photos purportedly showing the accused with leaders of the ruling DMK.
Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami called the incident "shameful" and accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of failing to maintain law and order. “Such incidents could have been prevented if the government had taken my criticism seriously,” he said.
Annamalai claimed the state had become a haven for criminals, adding, “Women don’t feel safe anymore as the police are kept busy silencing the opposition instead of maintaining law and order.” He urged the Chief Minister to address the public about the case and take responsibility.
Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian appealed to political parties not to politicize the incident, promising that steps would be taken to ensure student safety. The university administration and Greater Chennai Police announced a joint review of campus security to implement improved safety measures.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the safety of students on campuses, even in institutions as prestigious as Anna University. While protests continue, it is imperative for authorities to strengthen campus security and ensure justice for the survivor.
This case also raises questions about the effectiveness of preventive measures against repeat offenders, an issue that the Tamil Nadu government must address urgently.
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