Student filmed and harassed by vendor pretending to be University staff

In a rare and powerful judgment, a Chennai court sentenced 37-year-old Gnanasekaran to 30 years of imprisonment without remission for the brutal sexual assault of a 19-year-old Anna University student—a verdict anchored in the survivor’s fearless and unwavering testimony.

Presiding over 31 hearings, District Judge M Rajalakshmi lauded the second-year student’s courage, noting that her consistent narrative—right from the FIR filed on the night of December 23, 2024—held strong under intense scrutiny. Backed by digital, forensic, and circumstantial evidence, her statements formed the foundation for conviction on all 11 charges, including rape, abduction, and criminal intimidation.

The court detailed how Gnanasekaran, a biryani vendor and habitual offender with over 15 prior cases, lured and isolated the victim by pretending to be a university staff member. He had approached her and a male friend on campus, filmed them without consent, and used threats of exposure to coerce her into accompanying him, before carrying out the assault.

Key CCTV footage, phone call records, and digital forensics confirmed his actions. Crucially, it was proven that he put his phone on airplane mode during the time of the crime, dismantling his alibi. The court also acknowledged the psychological torment, including calls to the victim’s father and threats to leak videos.

The survivor’s bravery not only led to Gnanasekaran’s conviction but also guided police to build a strong case with the help of an all-women special investigation team. Her testimony enabled the tracing of vital clues—such as CCTV capturing the accused’s gait—and helped piece together the timeline.

Apart from the 30-year jail term under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the court imposed a ₹90,000 fine and directed additional compensation, apart from the ₹25 lakh interim relief ordered by the Madras High Court earlier. The judgment called the assault “barbaric” and condemned the violation of a place presumed safe for students.

The case drew political heat, with accusations of the accused’s alleged ties to the ruling party, though police denied any such link. Gnanasekaran maintained innocence but was found guilty beyond doubt.

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