A serious sexual assault case involving a 19-year-old student from Anna University has ignited fierce political and public debate in Tamil Nadu. The alleged assault took place on the university campus, where a 37-year-old man named Gnanasekaran attacked the student’s male friend. He then dragged the woman into a bush and assaulted her. This brutal incident has raised significant concerns about women’s safety on university campuses and in public spaces throughout the state.
Following the assault, protests erupted outside Anna University. Students demanded justice for the victim and pushed for improved safety measures. The case quickly escalated beyond a campus issue, drawing the attention of political parties and raising broader questions about safety in Tamil Nadu.
Arrest and Political Fallout
Gnanasekaran, who operated a biryani stall near the university, was arrested shortly after the attack. His arrest triggered accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The BJP claims that the DMK is protecting Gnanasekaran due to his alleged ties to the party. The DMK has strongly denied these claims, labeling them as politically motivated.
BJP state president K. Annamalai wasted no time in linking the assault to the ruling DMK. He shared a photograph on social media that depicted Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other DMK leaders with Gnanasekaran. Annamalai argued that this connection indicates a troubling relationship between the accused and the DMK. He suggested that Gnanasekaran had a history of criminal activity that was being suppressed due to these ties.
Accusations from the BJP
Annamalai asserted that Gnanasekaran was a “repeat offender” and a known “DMK functionary.” He claimed that the suspect’s criminal behavior had been overlooked in the past due to his connections with local DMK leaders. Annamalai noted, “A clear pattern emerges from the number of such cases in the past.” He further alleged that the accused had been allowed to evade justice because of his ties to the DMK, with police failing to investigate previous complaints against him due to pressure from the party.
He stated, “The cases against him were suppressed, and he was never categorized as a history-sheeter or kept on the watchlist of local police stations.” Annamalai also questioned Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s role in addressing the situation, urging him to take accountability for the case.
In addition to accusing the DMK of shielding the accused, Annamalai criticized the handling of the First Information Report (FIR). He alleged that police leaked the FIR, which included sensitive details about the survivor, because of Gnanasekaran’s party connections. Annamalai stated, “DMK has failed in its basic duty to protect the details of the victims.”
DMK’s Denial
In response, the DMK categorically denied the BJP’s accusations. A Saravanan, a DMK spokesperson, defended the party’s integrity. He explained that having a photograph with a party leader does not imply the party’s involvement in a crime. He asserted that Gnanasekaran has been arrested and will face the full force of the law.
“The accused has been arrested, and he cannot escape justice from the DMK government,” Saravanan declared. He reiterated the party’s commitment to justice and highlighted that police were taking appropriate action. He emphasized, “No matter who did wrong, the Tamil Nadu police will take action.”
Saravanan also countered claims that law and order had deteriorated under the DMK’s leadership. He accused the BJP of spreading false narratives, stating, “Those who cannot shake the DMK politically continue to spread false allegations that law and order have deteriorated.”
Protests Erupt Across Tamil Nadu
The incident has sparked widespread protests at Anna University and in various locations across Tamil Nadu. Student organizations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), have organized demonstrations. They advocate for justice for the victim and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety on campuses.
In a significant protest, BJP leaders, including former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, were detained by police for their demonstration against the sexual assault. The detained BJP leaders described the police action as “atrocious,” arguing that authorities were trying to silence their protests. They demanded more decisive action from the Tamil Nadu government to protect women and secure student safety on campuses.
A Divided Political Landscape
The case has intensified political tensions between the BJP and DMK, particularly concerning women’s safety and law enforcement in Tamil Nadu. While the BJP uses this incident to highlight what it sees as a pattern of criminal protection by DMK leadership, the DMK
