During the Assembly session, Stalin said the accused, Gnanasekaran, was not a member of the DMK but merely a supporter.
Published Jan 08, 2025 | 2:12 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 08, 2025 | 9:21 PM
MK Stalin in the Assembly. (Screengrab)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday, 8 January, addressed the Anna University sexual assault case during the Assembly session and said the accused, Gnanasekaran, was not a member of the DMK but merely a supporter.
Stalin said, “I do not wish to tarnish the name of a person who has empowered all of us. With this sentiment, I prefer to avoid mentioning that name.”
He described the sexual assault as a heinous crime that cannot be accepted. He stressed that the Tamil Nadu government stands firmly with the victim and is committed to ensuring justice through legal means.
BJP state President K Annamalai said that the chief minister’s acknowledgement was not a surprise and added that Gnanasekaran’s position in the DMK would come to light soon.
Stalin said that the Tamil Nadu government had no other agenda than to deliver justice.
“If the authorities had failed to arrest the perpetrator or had made efforts to protect them, then the government could be criticised. However, after the arrest of the accused and the collection of crucial evidence, any attempt to criticise the government is purely for political gain, not out of genuine concern,” he said.
“If the investigation reveals that anyone else is guilty, the police will take strict action against them without mercy, no matter who it is! I say this with 100 percent certainty,” he added.
Meanwhile, Annamalai criticised the DMK and the chief minister
“Initially, it was stated that there was no connection between Gnanasekaran, the sexual offender from Anna University, and the DMK. However, today (Wednesday) it was clarified that Gnanasekaran is a supporter of the DMK and not an official member of the party,” he said.
Annamalai remarked that when the question regarding the accused’s identity was answered, it would come to light that Gnanasekaran was indeed a DMK official.
Following the chief minister’s remarks, members of the Opposition AIADMK walked out of the Assembly and started a protest against the DMK on its premises.
