Following a brutal sexual assault of a second-year female engineering student on the Anna University Guindy campus on December 23rd, the university has implemented significant security measures. A circular issued by the registrar on January 5th mandates that students are now only permitted to use bicycles within the campus, with cars and two-wheelers restricted to designated parking areas. Furthermore, delivery personnel are barred from entering beyond the university gates, and construction workers must leave the campus after completing their work. These measures are intended to enhance campus safety and access control, a recommendation previously made by the National Commission for Women (NCW) following the incident.
The assault occurred while the victim and a male friend were in a secluded area after a Christmas program. The attacker, identified as 37-year-old roadside biryani vendor Gnanshekharan, allegedly assaulted the male friend before raping the female student. He was swiftly apprehended by police.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and prompted strong reactions. Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai, in a dramatic protest, self-flogged six times outside his Coimbatore residence to highlight what he termed the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. He also announced a 48-day fast and pilgrimage to six Lord Murugan temples as part of his ongoing protest. Annamalai further criticized the police for leaking the FIR, violating the victim’s privacy, and alleged that the accused had connections to the ruling DMK party, citing his inclusion in over 20 prior cases without being placed on the police’s rowdy list. He accused the DMK of attempting to deflect attention from larger law and order issues by creating a narrative around a North-South divide.
The NCW has launched its own investigation, with member Mamta Kumari visiting the campus and meeting with the victim, her family, and the Governor of Tamil Nadu. A comprehensive report detailing their findings will be submitted to the central government, with assurances of strict punishment for those found guilty.