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Anna Vendor Arrested for Assaulting Student; Accused Linked to Series of Petty Crimes
Roadside Vendor Arrested for Sexual Assault at Anna University; Opposition Targets DMK Over Alleged Links
A 37-year-old roadside biryani vendor, Gnanasekaran, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a student of Chennai’s Anna University on the university campus Monday night. The incident has sparked political controversy, with the Opposition, led by the BJP and AIADMK, accusing Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK of having links to the accused. The DMK has vehemently denied any association with Gnanasekaran, who reportedly has a history of criminal activities.
The assault took place around 8 pm on the sprawling 180-acre university campus, a location typically bustling with students. According to police reports, the victim was chatting with a male friend in a secluded area when Gnanasekaran approached them. The accused allegedly threatened the pair, claiming he had recorded a video of them, and demanded that the male friend leave the area.
The assault took place around 8 pm on the sprawling 180-acre university campus, a location typically bustling with students. According to police reports, the victim was chatting with a male friend in a secluded area when Gnanasekaran approached them. The accused allegedly threatened the pair, claiming he had recorded a video of them, and demanded that the male friend leave the area.
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The victim reported the incident to the police on Tuesday morning and filed a formal complaint with the university’s Internal Complaints Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment. Following this, the Kotturpuram all-women police swiftly registered a case under Section 64 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Four special teams were formed to investigate the matter, and extensive CCTV footage from the campus and nearby areas was reviewed.
The case has ignited a political debate in Tamil Nadu. Opposition parties, including the BJP and AIADMK, have targeted Chief Minister M K Stalin’s party, alleging connections between Gnanasekaran and the DMK. BJP leader K Annamalai demanded accountability, while AIADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswami questioned the government’s commitment to student safety.
Responding to the allegations, the DMK firmly denied any ties to the accused. “There is no evidence to suggest that the accused had any association with the DMK. These are baseless claims intended to politicize a sensitive issue,” a senior DMK leader said.
The incident has also raised concerns about safety on university campuses. Students and parents have demanded stricter security measures, including increased surveillance and better-lit areas. The university administration has promised to enhance campus security to prevent such incidents in the future.
The police are continuing their investigation to ascertain whether Gnanasekaran was involved in similar offenses previously. “The safety of our students is our utmost priority. We will ensure that justice is served,” a senior police official assured.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust measures to protect students and ensure that educational institutions remain safe spaces for learning. As the investigation progresses, students and citizens alike await justice for the victim and the implementation of improved safety protocols at Anna University.
