Chennai Court Convicts Accused in Anna University Sexual Assault Case
A Chennai Mahila Court has convicted Gnanasekaran on all charges in connection with the sexual assault of a student within Anna University premises in December 2024, marking a swift conclusion to a case that generated widespread public attention across Tamil Nadu.
Judge Rajalakshmi delivered the verdict on Wednesday at the Chennai Mahila Court, finding the accused guilty on eleven charges brought against him. The court has scheduled sentencing for 2nd June 2025.
Details of the Offence
The incident occurred on the evening of 23rd December 2024, when Gnanasekaran allegedly sexually assaulted a female student of Anna University whilst she was on campus with her male companion. Court records indicate that the accused unlawfully detained the victim for approximately forty minutes, during which he recorded video footage of both the victim and her companion before utilising the material for blackmail purposes.
The survivor, accompanied by a university lecturer from the Prevention of Sexual Harassment committee, lodged a complaint with authorities on the same day. Greater Chennai Police subsequently arrested Gnanasekaran on 25th December 2024.
Criminal Background and Charges
The convicted individual, described by police as a history-sheeter from the Kotturpuram area of Chennai, faced seven pending cases under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code prior to this incident. In the present case, charges were filed under the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, specifically sections 63(a) and 64(1) relating to rape, and sections 75(1)(ii) and (iii) concerning sexual harassment.
The Tamil Nadu government invoked the Goondas Act against the accused, permitting preventive detention without bail for a period extending up to one year.
Political Implications
The case attracted political controversy following the emergence of photographs purportedly showing Gnanasekaran with members of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Whilst the party initially refuted any association, opposition parties circulated images suggesting the accused held a position within the organisation.
Judicial Oversight and Investigation
On 28th December 2024, the Madras High Court directed the formation of a special investigation team comprising senior Indian Police Service officers Bhukya Sneha Priya, Ayman Jamal, and S Brinda. The team submitted a comprehensive chargesheet to the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Saidapet on 25th February 2025, with proceedings subsequently transferred to the Mahila Court in Allikulam.
Privacy Breach Controversy
The case was further complicated by a significant procedural lapse when Tamil Nadu Police inadvertently published the First Information Report on their public website, exposing sensitive identifying information of the survivor. The breach drew sharp criticism from legal practitioners, activists, and members of the public, who condemned the authorities' failure to protect the victim's confidentiality.
Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun later attributed the disclosure to a technical malfunction during the transition from the Indian Penal Code to the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita system, explaining that FIRs in sensitive matters are typically secured automatically within the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems. A separate investigation was initiated to determine the source of the leak.
The conviction, delivered within five months of the alleged offence, represents one of the more expeditious resolutions of a sexual assault case in the Chennai courts system.

Gnanasekaran found guilty on all 11 charges; sentencing scheduled for June 2 in high-profile case

Chennai Court Convicts Man in Anna Uni Sex Assault

Gnanasekaran found guilty on all 11 charges; sentencing scheduled for June 2 in high-profile case

May 28, 2025 | 16:55 IST