CHENNAI: In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves across Chennai, a 37-year-old man with a history of criminal activity allegedly raped a second-year engineering student on the campus of Anna University. The accused, Gnanasekaran, who operates a roadside eatery near the university, was arrested on Wednesday after the survivor reported the assault to a police helpline.
The Incident
The attack took place on the evening of December 23, in a secluded area of the campus near Raj Bhavan and IIT Madras. According to the police complaint, Gnanasekaran confronted the survivor and her male friend, claiming to have filmed their private moments. He intimidated the male student, forcing him to leave, and then allegedly raped the young woman.
Before fleeing, Gnanasekaran demanded the survivor’s phone number, threatening her with further harm if she did not comply.
A Criminal Past
The accused has a disturbing criminal record, with 15 cases of theft and robbery against him. In 2011, he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting another woman on the same campus, though it remains unclear if that case ever reached trial.
Investigations Underway
Police have launched a thorough investigation, collecting evidence from the crime scene and searching for Gnanasekaran’s mobile phone, which they suspect may contain compromising images or videos of other women.
Campus Safety in Question
The assault has sparked widespread anger, with students and parents questioning the safety of the university campus. Authorities and senior police officials have announced plans to review security measures and address any vulnerabilities.
Political Fallout
The incident has also triggered a political storm, with opposition parties accusing the DMK-led state government of failing to ensure campus safety. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, BJP state chief K. Annamalai, PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss, and AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran all condemned the government’s inaction.
State Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian countered these allegations, pointing to similar incidents during the AIADMK’s tenure, such as the 2019 Pollachi sexual assault case. He vowed to take decisive action to prevent such crimes in the future.
This heinous crime has reignited debates about the safety of women on campuses and the accountability of institutions in protecting students. As the investigation progresses, there is growing pressure on authorities to implement immediate and effective safety measures to ensure such tragedies are not repeated.
Source: News Agencies
