A political controversy has emerged over a case that named a student of Anna University in Chennai who was raped by his seniors. BJP Tamil Nadu Chief K Annnamalai said the accused, Gnanasekaran, is a repeat offender and also holds a position in Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) student wing. Annamalai also charged that the police let the accused off lightly because of political pressure.
The Accusations
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu president K. Annamalai said Gnanasekaran is the deputy organizer for the DMK’s Saidai East student wing. The accused has a history of such crimes, Annamalai said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
He wrote that it has been revealed that Gnanasekaran, who was arrested in the Anna University case of a student being sexually assaulted, has been involved in such crimes many times previously.
Alleged Political Links
Gnanasekaran, posted photos of himself with DMK leaders, including son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. He alleged that police are not taking strong action against the accused out of pressure from DMK leaders and ministers.
Such criminal cases in Tamil Nadu show a clear pattern.” DMK and DMK executives in that area become close to that criminal and he becomes a member of DMK and at the end they become a criminal,” Annamalai alleged.
Criticism of Police Inaction
BJP leader criticised the Tamil Nadu police for not taking adequate care in probing cases against Gnanasekaran. However, cases against such individuals are often shelved and they are not regarded as repeat offenders or put under surveillance, he said.
Annamalai alleged that the police are not investigating the cases against him as there is pressure from their respective local DMK executives and ministers and that he ‘gets away’, providing him with room to commit further crimes.
DMK Under Scrutiny
The allegations have put the ruling DMK government on the spot. They say the government must also act urgently to make a transparent investigation and allay public fears that political contacts may bear on legal processes.
Public Outrage
This has come as a public and student outrage. The accused has been pushed to face strict action and any political interference in criminal investigations has been criticised.
Call for Justice
BJP leaders and activists demanded a free and fair investigation into the case. They also called for the government to ensure that the victim’s justice is seen and that the accused be made accountable for the crimes, if any, they have committed.
What Happens Next?
While this is unfolding, it is to be seen how the DMK government will respond to these serious claims. No matter who allegedly committed the crime or what party he or she is affiliated with, public trust in the justice system depends on the government’s ability to act, fast and decisively.
The Chennai student sexual assault case is a call to have stronger measures in place to protect victims and for no political connection to be able to absolve perpetrators of accountability.
