CM Stalin Clarifies: Accused in Anna University Incident is a DMK Sympathiser, Not a Member

Chennai, Jan 8 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has confirmed that the individual implicated in the Anna University sexual assault case is a sympathiser of the DMK, but he is not an official member of the party.

In a session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, CM Stalin stated, "I assure you that the person arrested in the Chennai student case is not a member of the DMK. He is a DMK sympathiser; we do not deny this."

The Chief Minister acknowledged that the accused may have been photographed with DMK leaders, including ministers and elected officials, but he stressed that this does not imply any wrongdoing on their part. He firmly clarified that the accused is not a party member.

CM Stalin also assured the Assembly that even if the accused had been a DMK member, the government would still have pursued action. He highlighted that the accused was arrested promptly and charged under the Goonda Act.

“We did not protect him,” he stated.

The CM described the sexual assault incident as a “very serious issue” and reiterated the government's dedication to achieving justice for the victim.

He confirmed that the charge sheet for the case will be submitted within 60 days and pledged a swift trial in a special court to ensure that the perpetrator faces the harshest penalties.

The Opposition AIADMK staged a walkout from the Assembly and protested outside the building.

The assault took place on the night of December 23 when a second-year engineering student and her male friend, a senior at Anna University, were in a secluded area of the campus post a Christmas event.

According to the victim’s report, the accused attacked her male friend, severely beating him, before dragging her to nearby bushes and assaulting her. The police acted quickly, apprehending a 37-year-old roadside biryani vendor, Gnanshekharan, in connection with the crime.

This case has ignited public outrage, with Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai staging a dramatic protest outside his home in Coimbatore. During this protest, he inflicted six lashes upon himself to symbolize what he described as the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. He also announced plans for a 48-day fast and a pilgrimage to all six sacred sites of Lord Murugan.

Annamalai criticized the Tamil Nadu Police for disclosing the FIR details, which exposed the identity of the 19-year-old victim, thus breaching her privacy. He also alleged that the accused, Gnanshekharan, was not listed as a rowdy in police records despite having over 20 previous cases against him, claiming this was due to his connections with leaders of the ruling DMK party.

The BJP chief, a former IPS officer, presented evidence suggesting that the accused was linked with the DMK. He alleged that the party was attempting to distract from Tamil Nadu’s law and order challenges by fabricating a narrative of a North-South divide.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has declared its intention to submit a comprehensive report on the incident to the Government of India. NCW member Mamta Kumari visited Anna University for an in-depth investigation. “We explored every corner of Anna University and conducted a thorough investigation. We met with the affected girl and her family to gather all necessary information. We also conferred with the Governor of Tamil Nadu regarding the matter,” stated Mamta Kumari.

She further added, “A detailed report will be submitted to the central government through the NCW. Anyone found guilty will face strict punishment.”