Opposition leader in Tamil Nadu says lawlessness increasing under the watch of the Stalin government; cites instances of sexual assaults in recent past
Published Dec 27, 2024 | 11:55 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 28, 2024 | 1:47 AM
Edappadi K Palaniswami. (File pic/EPSTamilnadu/Facebook)
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami demanded a CBI probe into the sexual assault of a student at Anna University
Addressing the media on Friday, 27 December, Palaniswami questioned the lack of security at the prestigious institution and the state government’s handling of the investigation.
On the evening of 23 December, Gnanasekaran, a habitual offender with over 20 criminal cases to his name, allegedly trespassed into the Anna University campus.
The media reported that Gnanasekaran approached a male and female student engaged in conversation; he assaulted the male and forcibly took the female student away.
Gnanasekaran allegedly sexually assaulted the female student and recorded the act on his mobile phone. It was also reported that he made a phone conversation during the assault, addressing someone as ‘Sir’.
“Who was the ‘Sir’ he spoke to? Why has this not been disclosed by the authorities? This omission raises doubts about the transparency of the investigation,” said Palaniswami.
Only 56 of 70 CCTV cameras functional
Palaniswami pointed to glaring lapses in security on the campus, showing that only 56 of the 70 CCTV cameras on the campus were functional.
“How could a person with such a criminal history move freely within the premises of one of Tamil Nadu’s most prestigious institutions? This is a clear failure of governance and campus administration,” Palaniswami said.
The AIADMK leader alleged that the state government was shielding the accused, on account of his political affiliations.
He cited irregularities in the investigation so far:
“Only a fair and impartial investigation can bring justice,” Palaniswami asserted, demanding that the case be handed over to the CBI.
Palaniswami said there was a pattern of increasing sexual crimes across Tamil Nadu under the DMK regime, and cited recent instances.
A 10-year-old girl was sexually harassed in Anna Nagar; a mentally-ill college student was gang-raped in Chintadripet; a DMK functionary allegedly blackmailed a nurse using intimate photographs
“The DMK government has failed to ensure women’s safety. Tamil Nadu is witnessing an unprecedented rise in crimes against women. This lawlessness under the watch of the Stalin-led government is unacceptable,” Palaniswami said.
AIADMK protest on Monday
AIADMK has announced district-level protests across Tamil Nadu, except in Chennai, on Monday, 30 December.
Additionally, Palaniswami stated that AIADMK leaders plan to meet the governor to lodge a formal complaint against the state government’s inaction and failure to ensure safety.
Palaniswami said governance was better under the AIADMK, and rule of law was upheld. “Such incidents were dealt with firmly. This stands in stark contrast to the current government’s lawlessness.”
The case of assault on the campus of the Anna University sparked outrage and raised questions about governance, campus security, and the integrity of law enforcement in Tamil Nadu.
(Edited by Rosamma Thomas).
