A special court in Chennai on June 2 sentenced Gnanasekaran, guilty in the Anna University sexual assault case to 30 years in prison and imposed a ₹90,000 fine. Earlier, a Mahila Court had found him guilty on all 11 charges, supported by documentary and forensic evidence.

The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when Gnanasekaran, who ran a biryani stall near Anna University, entered the campus and sexually assaulted a female student and attacked her male friend.

He also allegedly recorded the act to blackmail the victims. He was arrested two days later and has remained in custody since.

The case has also taken a political turn after photos emerged showing Gnanasekaran with DMK leaders. Opposition parties accused the ruling DMK of shielding him, with BJP’s K. Annamalai alleging he was a DMK student wing office-bearer. The DMK denied the claims, stating he was only a sympathiser. Chief minister M.K. Stalin clarified in the Assembly that Gnanasekaran held no official post in the party.

Despite his attempt to be discharged citing lack of evidence, a Special Investigation Team, formed on the Madras High Court’s direction, filed a detailed charge sheet. He was charged under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, IT Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act.

Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami welcomed the verdict but maintained that others may be involved, continuing the party’s “Who is that Sir?” campaign.

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