A recent incident of sexual assault at Chennai’s Anna University has turned into a political face-off between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP has claimed that the accused, Gnanasekaran, is a member of the DMK, which the DMK has staunchly rejected.
Details of the Incident
On December 24, 2024, a 19-year-old second-year engineering student at Anna University was allegedly assaulted on campus. Gnanasekaran, 37, allegedly attacked the girl’s male friend before assaulting her.
Gnanasekaran, who ran a biryani stall nearby the university, was arrested shortly after the incident by Tamil Nadu Police.
BJP’s Allegations and Social Media Post
This situation has become more intense due to TN BJP President K. Annamalai’s post on social media showing Gnanasekaran standing next to Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Annamalai labeled Gnanasekaran as “repeat offender and a DMK functionary,” suggesting a trend where DMK allegedly supports those with criminal backgrounds. He suggested situations where people with such criminal backgrounds get protection owing to their affiliations with political parties.
DMK’s Response
DMK denied these allegations. A. Saravanan, a party spokesperson, stated that a photograph with a party leader doesn’t give any official connection.
He also emphasized that the accused has been arrested and ought to be punished under the law, claiming that the DMK government doesn’ shelter criminals.
Saravanan has commented, “Whosoever has done a wrong thing, police are going to take action!”
Campus Protests Related to Student Safety
The assault has initiated widespread protests from student organizations, such as the Students’ Federation of India and the All-India Democratic Women’s Association.
The protesters thus demand justice for the survivor and also want steps to be taken for ensuring security on the campus for student safety. The incident has stirred a big issue about women’s safety in the educational institutions across the state.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The incident has further fuelled political tension in Tamil Nadu. Opposition political parties such as the BJP and AIADMK have cast their aspersions against the DMK government for the alleged deterioration in law and order in the state.
Protests organized by political leaders, including former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and BJP state vice-president Karu Nagarajan, have resulted in arrests, further causing an uproar over the incident.
Appeal to Engage in Thoughtful Discourse
While authorized investigations into the incident are being carried out, an ever-growing conniving call has surfaced, demanding that political parties prioritize the victim’s well-being and ensure that the integrity of the legal process is upheld above all else and prevent such an incident from occurring once more.
The Anna University assault case has not only brought to the fore important questions about campus safety, but also emerged as a key flashpoint of political contention in Tamil Nadu.
Between accusations and rebuttals from the BJP and DMK, it remains to be seen whether justice will be served to the survivor while efforts will be made to initiate a proper safety strategy for students in educational institutions in the state.
