BJP Alleges DMK Link To Accused In Anna University Sexual Assault, Photo Sparks Row

BJP has alleged that the accused arrested for sexually assaulting a 19-year-old Anna University student in Chennai is a "repeat offender and a DMK functionary," a claim which DMK leaders have firmly denied.

The accused, Gnanasekaran, aged 37 and a resident of Kottur, operated a biryani stall near the university campus. He was arrested by Tamil Nadu Police following the incident. Reports indicate that he entered the campus, assaulted the second-year engineering student's male friend, and then dragged the student into a bush where the assault occurred.

The incident, which unfolded within the premises of a prestigious university, has ignited widespread protests, debates, and a political row over women's safety in Tamil Nadu.

In a post on X, BJP state president K Annamalai shared a photograph purportedly showing the accused alongside Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other DMK leaders.

"A clear pattern emerges from the number of such cases in the past," he said, suggesting that criminals often develop close ties with local DMK functionaries and later join the party.

He further alleged: "All the cases registered against him get suppressed, and he gets leeway by not being categorised as a history-sheeter or kept on the watchlist of the local police station." He accused the police of not pursuing investigations into existing cases due to "pressure" from DMK leaders, allowing such individuals to "commit further crimes."

"How long should the people of TN put up with this? Will Thiru @mkstalin ever take any responsibility?" he questioned.

Protests Over the Assault

The assault has sparked demonstrations by students, including members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), who gathered in front of the university, demanding justice for the survivor and enhanced campus safety measures.

Meanwhile, police detained AIADMK workers, former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJP state vice president Karu Nagarajan, and other BJP leaders protesting the incident. Tamilisai condemned the police action, stating, "This is atrocious. They want to crush the voice of the protesters."

Annamalai also accused officials of leaking the First Information Report (FIR), which included sensitive details of the survivor, claiming the leak was an attempt to protect the accused due to his alleged DMK connections.

"DMK has failed in its basic duty to protect the details of the victims. This is not only against individual rights but also an illegal act. The Chief Minister @mkstalin is fully responsible for this," he said.

The BJP leader criticised the DMK government and Chief Minister Stalin for "engaging in despicable and unscrupulous activities to protect a DMK sex offender."

"Stalin, be ashamed of yourself for making Tamil Nadu an unsafe state for women," he added.

DMK Responds to Allegations

DMK spokesperson A Saravanan dismissed the allegations, stating that a photograph with party leaders does not indicate culpability.

"The accused has been arrested, and he cannot escape justice from the DMK government," he said.

In a post on X, Saravanan reiterated: "No matter who did the wrong, the Tamil Nadu police will take action!" He also criticised the BJP, saying, "Those who cannot shake the DMK politically continue to spread false allegations that law and order have deteriorated."