Anna University sexual assault case accused gets life sentence, Tamil Nadu CM Stalin hails verdict

CHENNAI: A Mahila court here on Monday awarded the life sentence for a minimum period of 30 years without remission and a fine of Rs 90,000 to the accused Gnanasekaran, who has been convicted for sexually harassing a student on the Anna University campus in December last year.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the Chennai Mahila court’s verdict. In a post on X, Tamil Nadu CM said the state police responded through action to those who merely pretend to care about women’s safety.

“Tamil Nadu Police has responded through action to those who merely pretend to care about women’s safety. During the investigation, the High Court itself appreciated the manner in which the case involving the Chennai student was handled fairly and swiftly, concluded within just five months — securing a severe punishment for the perpetrator”, he said.

Hitting out at the opposition, CM Stalin said, “Now that the verdict has been delivered, the Mahila Court too has come forward to commend the excellent work of the police in this case. The shallow-minded attempts by a few to seek political gain even from the injustice suffered by a young woman have now been completely shattered.”

“In line with the recent legal amendment we brought in–stating that there shall be no early release for sexual offenders–the court has imposed a strict sentence in this case with no provisions for remission or any other leniency. I welcome and express my gratitude for this verdict,” he remarked, expressing gratitude to the court.

பெண்கள் பாதுகாப்பு பற்றி வேடம் போடுபவர்களுக்குச் செயலால் பதில் அளித்திருக்கிறது தமிழ்நாடு காவல்துறை!

விசாரணையின் போது, உயர்நீதிமன்றமே பாராட்டிய வகையில், சென்னை மாணவி வழக்கினை நியாயமாகவும் விரைவாகவும் ஐந்தே மாதத்தில் நடத்தி முடித்து, குற்றவாளிக்குக் கடும் தண்டனையைப் பெற்றுத்…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 2, 2025

Mahila vourt judge M Rajalakshmi, who convicted Gnanasekaran on May 28, today awarded sentences in respect of each of the 11 charges proved by the prosecution against him.

Public Prosecutor Marry Jayanthi said, “As far as the Gnanasekaran case is concerned, we have got the verdict today. 30 years without remission have been provided. SIT enquired into the incident; they filed a chargesheet at the Mahila court. On April 30 for the first time, affected women took the stage. All evidence was provided, as it was satisfactory for the court; today this judgment has come. The highest punishment is a life sentence for this case, and it has been provided”.

A second-year student of Anna University was sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus in December. After an investigation, the Chennai Police had arrested Gnanesekaran in connection with the case.

On May 28, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin hailed the state police, investigating officers and government lawyers for the expeditious verdict in the Anna University sexual assault case. Tamil Nadu Minister Geetha Jeevan said that the case was resolved in a fast manner and the “right” punishment was given in the court.

“The sexual assault case of a student studying on the Anna University campus has resulted in the conviction of the culprit within five months due to the prompt action of the Tamil Nadu government. The case that was held in the court was concluded quickly, and within five months. This case, which took place on December 23rd, was resolved quickly, and the right punishment was given in the court”, she said.

“According to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the punishment has been given in the court… Women who are subjected to violence should come forward to file complaints”, the minister stated. (ANI)