In a landmark judgment, the Mahila Court at Allikulam has sentenced Gnanasekaran, 37, to life imprisonment for a minimum of 30 years without remission, along with a total fine of ₹90,000, for the sexual assault of a female student on the Anna University campus in Guindy. The entire amount has been ordered to be paid to the victim as compensation.
Incident and Investigation
The incident occurred on December 23, 2024, when the accused assaulted a student on the university campus. A complaint was lodged at the Kotturpuram All Women Police Station under Crime No. 3/2024, leading to Gnanasekaran’s arrest on December 25. Following this, the High Court of Madras constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior women officers: Dr. B. Sneha Priya, IPS (DCP, Anna Nagar), Ayman Jamal, IPS (DCP, Avadi), and Brinda, IPS (DCP, Salem City).
The team collected material and scientific evidence, and filed the police report on Feb.20, this year. The case was taken up by the Mahila Court and tried under 11 serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Information Technology Act, and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women (TNPHW) Act.
Swift Justice Delivered
During the trial, 28 witnesses were examined, and 73 documents and five material objects were presented as evidence. On June 2, Judge Rajalakshmi, presiding over the Mahila Court, convicted Gnanasekaran on all 11 charges.
The court highlighted the premeditated and manipulative tactics used by the accused, including impersonating university staff by using the term “Sir” to intimidate and deceive the victim. Scientific analysis and digital evidence presented by telecom providers confirmed that no other individuals were involved and that the accused acted alone.
Conclusion
This case stands out for its swift investigation and trial—justice was delivered within five months of the crime. The verdict is being hailed as a significant step in ensuring accountability and delivering speedy justice in crimes against women.
Gnanasekaran was convicted under the following sections:
- Sections 329, 126(2), 87, 127(2), 75(2), 76, 64(1), 351(3), and 238(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS);
- Section 66E of the Information Technology Act;
- Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act;
