Biryani Vendor Convicted for Anna University Sexual Assault
Anna University Rape Perpetrator Sentenced to Life Imprisonment with Minimum Term of 30 Years by the Court
In a landmark decision, Chennai's Mahila Court sentenced A Gnanasekaran, a biriyani vendor with a dubious past, to life imprisonment on Monday. The verdict, which carries a minimum sentence of 30 years without the possibility of parole, comes almost a year after the heinous assault on a female student at Anna University. The court also imposed a fine of ₹90,000 on the convict.
Gnanasekaran worked as a temporary staffer at the Centre for Women Empowerment in Anna University. He was arrested in December 2024 after a woman student filed a complaint against him. The disturbing incident sparked outrage across Tamil Nadu, sparking protests from student bodies and women's rights groups demanding prompt and severe action.
The Mahila Court, presided over by Judge Rajalakshmi, found Gnanasekaran guilty on May 28, 2025. The government counsel led a meticulous prosecution, presenting strong documentary and forensic evidence, such as CCTV footage and call records, to establish Gnanasekaran's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In light of the gravity of the offense and its profound impact on the victim and society, the prosecution demanded the maximum punishment. The incident came to light on December 23, 2022, when the survivor filed a complaint at the All Women Police Station in Kotturpuram, Chennai. She alleged that Gnanasekaran had threatened and sexually assaulted her while she was with a male friend at night.
Following public outcry and concerns over procedural lapses, the Madras High Court transferred the investigation to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The SIT submitted a detailed charge sheet in February 2025 before a magistrate, and the case was later shifted to the Mahila Court on March 7 for trial.
Charges were framed under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), including Sections 329 (criminal trespass), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), 87 (abduction of a woman), and 64(1) (rape). He was also booked under Section 66 of the IT Act and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Women Harassment Act.
Gnanasekaran, who has a history of criminal offenses, entered the university premises unnoticed and committed the assault. Facing the full brunt of the law, Gnanasekaran pleaded for minimum punishment based on his family responsibilities. However, the court ruled that the maximum punishment was warranted due to the severity of the crimes.
This case serves as a stern warning against crimes targeting women and the misuse of institutional spaces.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from IANS)
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- The sentencing of A Gnanasekaran, a biriyani vendor with a questionable background, to life imprisonment for his crime against a female student at Anna University will hopefully serve as a warning against targeting women and misusing institutional spaces.
- After a female student filed a complaint against him, Gnanasekaran, who worked at Anna University's Centre for Women Empowerment, was arrested and later convicted for his sexual assault.
- The recent conviction of Gnanasekaran for his crime at Anna University, which prompted widespread protests and concerns about procedural lapses, has sparked conversations about sexual health and women's rights in India.
- The Bollywood news and general-news sectors, in addition to crime and justice, have been discussing the Anna University sexual assault case, shedding light on the necessity of improving health-and-wellness and sexual-health education in India.
