Anna University Sexual Assault Case: Mahila Court Convicts Accused Gnanasekar; Sentence On 2 June

A Mahila Court in Chennai on Wednesday (28 May) convicted Gnanasekar, 37, for the sexual assault of a 19-year-old engineering student on the campus of Anna University in December 2024.

The court said the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The sentencing will be pronounced on 2 June by Judge M Rajalakshmi.

As per a report by The Hindustan Times ,the incident took place on 23 December 2024, when Gnanasekar, a history-sheeter from Kottur who ran a biryani stall near the campus, trespassed into Anna University grounds and assaulted the student after attacking her friend. He also allegedly filmed the act and used intimidation to silence the victims.

Gnanasekar was found guilty under 11 provisions, including Sections 331(6) (lurking trespass by night), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 140(4) (kidnapping to cause grievous hurt), 75(2) (sexual harassment), and 64(1) (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions under the Information Technology Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Woman Act.

He had previously been accused in over 20 cases, including six prior convictions for theft and housebreaking.

The case had sparked statewide outrage, particularly from student groups like the Student Federation of India. It turned political after opposition parties released photographs of Gnanasekar with DMK leaders. Chief Minister M K Stalin clarified that while the convict was a sympathiser, he was not a party member.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising all-women officers, appointed by the Madras High Court, handled the probe.

The court’s decision comes as a significant moment in a case that highlighted concerns around campus security, repeat offenders, and digital abuse.