Sexual assault on Anna University campus shocks Chennai, biryani seller arrested

A second-year engineering student was allegedly sexually assaulted on campus on Tuesday night by two unidentified assailants near the university’s Highway Laboratory.

Published Dec 25, 2024 | 3:13 PMUpdated Dec 25, 2024 | 7:09 PM

Sexual assault on Anna University campus shocks Chennai, biryani seller arrested

A roadside biryani vendor was arrested for sexually assaulting a second-year engineering student of Anna University in Chennai, the Greater Chennai Police said on Wednesday, 25 December, two days after the alleged incident.

Investigators identified the man as Gnanasekaran, 36, of Kottur. They said he had confessed to the crime. At the time of filing this report, police were searching for the man’s accomplice.

The woman was talking with a male friend behind a building on the college campus when the men allegedly threatened them, and attacked her friend. She was then sexually assaulted around 8 am on Monday, 23 December.

She lodged a complaint with the Kotturpuram All Women Police the next day, and a case was registered under sections 63 (a) (rape), 64 (i) (a man commits rape, on a woman incapable of giving consent), and 75 (sexual harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act.

Kotturpuram Assistant Commissioner Bharathi Rajan earlier said four special task forces were formed to apprehend the suspects. CCTV footage from the university campus was also reviewed.

In a statement posted on X, the Greater Chennai Police said Gnanasekaran sold biryani on the footpath near the campus.

Authorities also said that a “Joint Security Review” would be conducted by the Greater Chennai Police and the University Security Officers, and appropriate action will be taken to improve the security of the students.

Responding to the incident, Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian stated, “Steps will be taken at the university level to prevent such incidents from recurring. While some may attempt to politicise this incident involving a single student, it is important to remember the fear victims faced during the Pollachi sexual assault case in the previous administration due to pressure from those in power. Under the DMK government, swift action is being taken, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice soon.”

 

Meanwhile, BJP Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai expressed shock and criticised the state’s law and order situation, alleging a rise in crimes and a lack of safety for women.

He demanded immediate action against the perpetrators and called on Chief Minister MK Stalin to take responsibility for the incident.

Similarly, AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the assault, describing it as a disgrace to a prestigious institution in the state capital.

He criticised the current government’s handling of law and order and urged the immediate arrest of the culprits, along with enhanced police patrols to ensure women’s safety.

Anna University officials said they were cooperating fully with the investigation and were committed to ensuring the safety and security of their students. The university’s Protection of Sexual Harassment Committee is also conducting an internal inquiry into the matter.

Furthermore, a protest has been staged by students seeking justice in front of the university today.

In a statement posted on X, CPI(M) Tamil Nadu stated: “Horrific incident of sexual assault at Anna University in front of the victim’s boyfriend. Instead of uncovering the truth, police are allegedly trying to dismiss it as mere teasing. Protesting this, SFI and AIDWA staged a demonstration in front of Anna University, demanding justice.”

TVK party leader Vijay condemned the sexual assault and urged the Tamil Nadu government to take swift legal action against the accused and any others involved. He called for the effective use of Nirbhaya funds to enhance women’s safety by implementing smart fences, emergency buttons, CCTV cameras, and phone assistance in unsafe areas.

Vijay emphasised the importance of safeguarding women in public spaces, including transport, educational institutions, workplaces, and restrooms, through emergency helplines and mobile apps. He also advocated for self-defense education, legal and psychological support, and resilience-building initiatives for women during their academic years.

(Edited by Dese Gowda)

(An earlier version of this story has been updated to reflect the correct dates and timing of the incident, as well as to include additional inputs from the authorities).

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