Chennai, 29 May (H.S.) : Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay has strongly criticized the DMK government over its handling of the Anna University sexual assault case. The case involves Gnanasekaran, a DMK supporter who was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old student at Anna University. Vijay welcomed the conviction, but emphasized that it was the judiciary's intervention, not the government's efforts, that led to justice being served.
Vijay accused the government of administrative failure and inability to ensure law and order or safeguard women. He also recalled submitting a petition to the Tamil Nadu Governor, demanding justice for the victim and strict punishment for the accused. The TVK chief further criticized the state government's alleged attempts to obscure the truth and claimed that the Madras High Court had to intervene due to public outcry, ordering an interim compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the victim's family.
The court's verdict came after the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, and the judge found Gnanasekaran guilty of the charges framed against him. The court will pronounce the sentence on June 2. Vijay has demanded the maximum sentence for Gnanasekaran, emphasizing that justice was delivered not because of the government, but despite its failures.
Vijay's remarks come amid a political row over Gnanasekaran's alleged connections with the ruling DMK. The party president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier stated that Gnanasekaran was only a sympathizer and supporter, not a member of the party. The case has sparked widespread protests and criticism of the government's handling of the incident.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary