Chennai, June 2025 – What began as a disturbing crime on a university campus ended with a rare and powerful court verdict. In a case that shook Tamil Nadu and galvanized students, activists, and citizens, a special court in Chennai sentenced A. Gnanasekaran, 37, to life imprisonment with a minimum of 30 years before parole for the rape of a 19-year-old Anna University student.
The court’s verdict is not just about punishing the guilty—it has become a symbol of a system responding, albeit under pressure, to public demand for justice.
A Campus Breach Turns into Statewide Movement
The crime occurred on December 23, 2024. The student was spending time with a friend on campus when the accused, a local vendor, attacked them. He overpowered the male companion, dragged the girl into a secluded space, and sexually assaulted her. The assault was filmed, and the footage was later used to blackmail her.
After the survivor reported the assault, what followed was chaos. The police initially filed an FIR that was later found to be insensitive and partly leaked online. Students, women’s groups, and opposition parties erupted in protest, demanding accountability from police and university officials.
The Madras High Court responded swiftly. It took suo motu notice of the leak and victim-blaming language in the FIR and ordered an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take over the probe. The survivor was given state protection, and ₹25 lakh compensation was announced.
The Trial and the Turning Point
Thanks to the SIT’s evidence collection—including forensic analysis, digital records, and witness accounts—the prosecution had a solid case. The survivor’s testimony was key, supported by video evidence recovered from the accused’s phone.
The trial proceeded swiftly in a designated Mahila Court, which found Gnanasekaran guilty of rape, criminal intimidation, and cyber offenses. Judge V. Bharathi stated that the brutality of the crime, the recording of the assault, and its setting on a university campus demanded the strictest sentence allowed by law.
The judge further ruled that the convict must serve a minimum of 30 years before parole can even be considered—a significant departure from typical life sentences.
Public and Legal Reaction
The rare imposition of a 30-year minimum sentence drew strong reactions. “This is a case where the judiciary responded with urgency and sensitivity,” said Justice (Retd) Latha Srinivasan. “It reflects a shift in how the courts are willing to treat crimes involving sexual violence.”
Lawyers and rights groups echoed this sentiment. “We need more such judgments to restore faith in the system,” said Kavitha Rajan of Women’s Justice Collective. “But this must also lead to preventive mechanisms—justice after trauma is not enough.”
Campus Reforms and New Guidelines
Anna University has since announced a string of measures to tighten campus safety. These include:
- Doubling the number of security personnel
- Increasing surveillance with smart CCTV cameras
- Creating a women’s help desk that operates 24/7
- Restricting outsider access to residential zones
The Higher Education Department has ordered all Tamil Nadu colleges to conduct safety audits and submit compliance reports to a central task force.
Survivor Support and Future Plans
The survivor is currently continuing her education remotely and under protection. According to sources, she has received ongoing psychological counseling and financial support to ensure her recovery and academic progress.
“She is determined to complete her degree,” said an official from the Tamil Nadu Women’s Commission. “Her strength has helped reshape how the state responds to gender crimes.”
