Chennai: The convict in the Anna University sexual assault case, A Gnanasekaran, was sentenced to life imprisonment for at least 30 years by Chennai's Mahila Court. A fine of Rs 90,000 was also imposed on Gnanasekaran.
The quantum of punishment in the case was pronounced days after the court convicted Gnanasekaran. The court had declared Gananesekaran guilty in 11 charges, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape and kidnapping.
In December last year, a 19-tyear-old second-year student of the university was sexually assaulted on the campus. Gnanasekaran was arrested in connection with the case by the police after the investigation. During the probe, it was revealed that the man was also reportedly involved in several theft cases as over 100 sovereigns of gold and a luxury SUV were seized from him reported NDTV.
The student, in her December 23 complaint to police, alleged that an unidentified man had threatened and sexually assaulted her when she was talking to her friend on campus.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has targeted the ruling DMK over the case. It alleged that Gananesekaran had connections with the DMK.
Tamil Nadu CM's Reaction On The Verdict:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised the Chennai Mahila court's verdict. In a post on X, Tamil Nadu CM said the state police responded through action to those who merely pretend to care about women's safety.
"Tamil Nadu Police has responded through action to those who merely pretend to care about women's safety. During the investigation, the High Court itself appreciated the manner in which the case involving the Chennai student was handled fairly and swiftly, concluded within just five months--securing a severe punishment for the perpetrator," he said.
Hitting out at the opposition, CM Stalin said, "Now that the verdict has been delivered, the Mahila Court too has come forward to commend the excellent work of the police in this case. The shallow-minded attempts by a few to seek political gain even from the injustice suffered by a young woman have now been completely shattered." "In line with the recent legal amendment we brought in--stating that there shall be no early release for sexual offenders--the court has imposed a strict sentence in this case with no provisions for remission or any other leniency. I welcome and express my gratitude for this verdict," he remarke
