Wed Dec 25 12:37:34 UTC 2024: ## Chennai University Sexual Assault Sparks Political Firestorm in Tamil Nadu
**CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU** – A sexual assault on a second-year engineering student at Anna University in Chennai has ignited a major political controversy in Tamil Nadu. A 37-year-old street food vendor, Gnanasekaran, has been arrested in connection with the incident, which occurred Monday night on campus. The victim’s male companion was also assaulted.
The opposition AIADMK and BJP have strongly criticized the ruling DMK government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order and creating an unsafe environment for women. AIADMK leader E Palaniswami called the incident “shocking and shameful,” drawing parallels to the 2012 Nirbhaya case and claiming the DMK government has neglected law and order. BJP state chief K Annamalai went further, alleging Tamil Nadu has become a haven for criminals under the DMK’s watch and that police are preoccupied with silencing the opposition. Both parties demanded the Chief Minister take responsibility and provide updates on the investigation.
However, the DMK government has rejected accusations of political maneuvering. Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhian stated that the university will take steps to prevent similar incidents and condemned attempts to politicize the case. He pointed to the Pollachi sexual assault case during the previous AIADMK regime, highlighting the alleged reluctance of victims to report due to political pressure. He assured swift action and promised the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
The police report indicates the student was threatened and assaulted by an unidentified person while speaking with her friend. Gnanasekaran, who operates a biryani stall, has confessed to the crime, and investigations are ongoing to determine if he was involved in other offences. Student protests have also taken place following the incident, with the university administration cooperating with the police investigation.
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