Political tensions rise over Anna University assault case as safety concerns grow

A 19-year-old student was sexually assaulted at Anna University on December 23, 2024, leading to political controversy in Tamil Nadu. The state government faced criticism for its response, with opposition party AIADMK claiming multiple people were involved in the incident. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin addressed the issue in the Legislative Assembly on January 8, defending the government's actions and challenging the AIADMK's claims. The police arrested the accused, Gnanasekaran, who has a history of violence, but opposition parties allege he had accomplices. The Madras High Court ordered a probe by a team of women police officers and criticized the leak of the FIR, which revealed the survivor's identity. The National Commission for Women is investigating the case and assessing security at the university, highlighting broader concerns about women's safety in Tamil Nadu.