Tamil Nadu: CM Stalin Admits Anna University Sexual Assault Accused Is DMK Sympathiser, Vows Strict Action

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday conceded that Ganansekaran, the accused in the recent daring Anna University sexual assault case, is a ruling DMK sympathiser but he was not a card-holding member of the party. Nonetheless, the police will have no mercy and spare none if more persons were found to be involved in the horrendous campus sexual assault, he told the Legislative Assembly. 

Ever since the incident came to light, top rung DMK leaders including Law Minister Regupathy had denied that the accused had anything to do with the DMK. The opposition, however, mounted an assault on the State Government by circulating photos and videos of the accused in the company of several prominent DMK leaders as well as his attendance at key party events.

Responding to a calling attention motion on the issued moved by the opposition legislators, the Chief Minister said the accused might have taken photos with ministers and politicians – there was nothing wrong in it. “He is a DMK sympathiser, but not a member of the party,” Stalin said adding, “Whoever it may be, even if they are from the DMK, we will definitely take action. Nothing will change that.”

The police shall not show any mercy and deal with it strongly, he said assuring that the charge sheet in the case will be filed within 60 days and the State would ensure the accused received the highest punishment. The accused, who was arrested soon after the girl lodged a complaint, has since been detained under the Goondas Act.

Adverting to the issue of the FIR in the case being leaked through the CCTNS, he said the National Informatics Centre functioning under the Union Government had resolved the technical glitch after the State alerted it. 

“This Government will crush crimes against women with an iron fist,” he said and said CCTVs were very much functional at the Anna University and it was footage from these that had helped nab the accused.