In a landmark judgment, the Mahila Court in Chennai on Monday sentenced 37-year-old Gnanasekar to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years without remission in the high-profile Anna University sexual assault case.
The incident took place on December 23, 2024, when a 19-year-old student was assaulted inside the university campus. Gnanasekar, a local biryani shop owner from Kottur, allegedly entered the premises posing as a university staffer. He threatened the student and her friend with disciplinary action, separated them, and lured the survivor to a secluded spot where he committed the assault. He also filmed the act on his phone, according to the prosecution.
The case drew widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by women officers. The SIT confirmed that Gnanasekar had a history of criminal activity and was the sole accused.
Last week, the court found him guilty under 11 different provisions, including Section 64(1) (rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and sections relating to criminal trespass, kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and destruction of evidence. He was also convicted under the Information Technology Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.
On Monday, Gnanasekar was brought to the court from Puzhal Central Prison under heavy security. As Judge M. Rajalakshmi delivered the sentence, the court also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 under the rape charge. Failure to pay would result in an additional three months’ simple imprisonment.
The court handed down additional sentences ranging from one month to 10 years under other sections, with all prison terms set to run concurrently. The total fine imposed amounted to ₹90,000.
In its verdict, the court concluded that the accused acted alone. It relied on consistent oral testimonies, corroborating statements, and forensic evidence to establish guilt on all charges.
Additionally, the judge acknowledged the trauma suffered by the survivor and highlighted the lapses by the police in handling the initial stages of the investigation. The court upheld the ₹25 lakh interim compensation already awarded by the Madras High Court and clarified that this would not prevent the survivor from seeking further legal compensation.
Calling the assault “barbaric,” the court emphasized the need for justice not just through punishment but through meaningful support to the survivor.
