On May 28, 2025, the Chennai Mahila Court found A. Gnanasekaran guilty on 11 charges, including rape, in the high-profile Anna University sexual assault case. The sentencing is scheduled for June 2.

The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when a 19-year-old engineering student was assaulted on the university campus. Gnanasekaran, a 37-year-old biryani vendor with a history of criminal offenses, was arrested the following day. The case drew significant public attention and political scrutiny, leading the Madras High Court to appoint a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising female IPS officers to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

The Tamil Nadu government faced criticism for its handling of the case, particularly regarding the leak of the First Information Report (FIR), which contained sensitive details about the victim. The High Court ordered the state to provide ₹25 lakh in compensation to the victim and to initiate disciplinary action against the Chennai Commissioner of Police.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin commended the swift investigation and conviction, attributing the progress to the efforts of the police and legal teams. However, opposition parties, including the AIADMK and BJP, criticized the government, alleging initial attempts to downplay the incident and highlighting the accused’s alleged political affiliations.

The case has become a focal point in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with various parties leveraging it to question the government’s commitment to women’s safety and law enforcement efficacy.

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