Anna University became the center of outrage after the sexual assault of a second-year engineering student, triggering widespread condemnation from students, political leaders, and the public. The accused, a local Biryani vendor named Gnanasekaran, and his ally faced demands for strict action. This incident served as a wake-up call for the state government’s accountability and ignited protests over women’s safety in educational institutions.
The Incident:
The incident occurred when Gnanasekaran threatened the victim and her male friend, ultimately leading to the mishap.
The 19-year-old girl was assaulted by two men while she was sitting with one of her male friends at the university campus on Monday night around 8 PM. The perpetrators, i.e., Gnanasekaran and his ally, came and started attacking and thrashing the male friend. They then dragged the girl into the bushes and sexually assaulted her. Evidence recovered from Gnanasekaran’s cell phone suggests he may have recorded the crime and potentially committed similar offenses.
After the incident, the student filed a complaint with both the police and the university’s Internal Complaints Committee for Prevention of Sexual Harassment. A case was registered under Sec. 64 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Kotturpuram all-women police formed four teams to capture the accused.
The Repercussions:
The sexual assault of the student aroused fierce criticism of the state’s ruling DMK government for alleged loose security in educational institutions. Despite advancements in surveillance, the incident has raised concerns over the safety of the students and about the working of campus security measures, attracting political backlash from opposition parties such as the AIADMK & BJP, who argue that the government has not adequately addressed issues of law and order. The university authorities have acknowledged the need for enhanced security protocols following this frightening incident.
Tamil Nadu’s BJP chief K. Annamalai voiced his shock over the incident, claiming that the accused is “a repeat offender and a DMK functionary.”
Members of the AIADMK and BJP on Thursday, December 26, 2024, staged a protest over the issue. Traffic was hindered for a while as the protesters resolved to a roadblock, alleging security lapses on the campus. The police removed them from the road and detained a few of them.
Students are also very unsatisfied about the measures that have been taken by the government so far and are protesting until the safety and security along with the stringent punishment for the accused are ensured.
Celeb-turned-politician Vijay also condemned the act, demanding swift action against the offender, and emerged with some key issues, like the enhancement of safety measures and the utilization of the Nirbhaya fund to enhance safety measures for women. Vijay’s statements highlight the necessity of not only radical action but also the consolidation of systems to ensure ongoing safety and support for women in Tamil Nadu.
Gnanasekaran, the main suspect, is detained by the police amid the ongoing protests, but political leaders as well as students are not satisfied and are demanding more stringent curbs so as to prevent such things from happening in the future.
Anna University=RG Kar Medical College?
Sexual assault in educational institutions in India is not a unique thing; a few months back, the rape case of a girl student at the RG Kar Medical College in Bengal also ignited a wildfire among the trainee doctors and politicians accusing the suspect of being a “TMC guy,” and the involvement of the principal of the college in the case posed a question about the security of women even at the educational institutions.
As per this particular case concerned, the matter is looking very serious, and once again the safety of girls came to the limelight.
