News Tamil Nadu

DMK Man & Anna University Sexual Assault Culprit Gnanasekaran Allegedly Built House Illegally On Temple Land Says Report

January 7, 2025
The Commune

In a startling revelation, Gnanasekaran, the accused in the Anna University on-campus sexual harassment case and reportedly a DMK functionary, has been found to have illegally constructed a two-story building on temple land without any legal permissions.

According to a report by Thanthi TV, revenue department officials have informed that Gnanasekaran had built a two-storeyed house at Kottur Erikarai street in Chennai.

Adding to the shock, he is alleged to have led a double life: committing burglaries at night, engaging in political party activities during the day, running a biryani shop in the afternoon, and sexually harassing students in the evening. Despite these serious allegations, Gnanasekaran had reportedly been moving about freely in the city for years, leaving the public astonished and questioning the lack of oversight by police.  Following a detailed investigation and recommendations from the SIT team, he has now been detained under the stringent Goondas Act.

A three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to investigate the case. On 4 January 2025, the SIT conducted a raid at Gnanasekaran’s residence, recovering crucial documents and a laptop, which investigators suspect was used to upload pornographic material. During their investigation, the team identified four individuals, including women and students, who appear in some of the videos. Although many pornographic videos were found, only a few have been linked to identifiable victims. Authorities have assured that any victims who come forward will have their identities protected. This new development has added complexity to the case, prompting the SIT to broaden its inquiry into potential further illegal activities. Following their findings, the SIT recommended invoking the Goondas Act against Gnanasekaran.

This marks the fourth time Gnanasekaran has been detained under the Goondas Act, with more than 20 cases already pending against him. The use of this stringent preventive detention measure underscores the authorities’ resolve to tackle such grave offenses and ensure public safety. The case has garnered widespread public attention, with opposition parties and activists calling for decisive action and systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.

Previous investigations revealed that Gnanasekaran, the accused in the Anna University sexual assault case and a serial offender involved in numerous thefts and robberies, used the proceeds of his crimes to acquire a 3.5-acre farmhouse near Chennai that served as his hideout after committing crimes.

Gnanasekaran

Gnanasekaran has been implicated in over 20 cases, including a high-profile robbery and kidnapping in 2018. He, along with his brother Suresh, two wives, and mother, kidnapped a businessman in Madurantakam near Kanchipuram and looted jewels and cash worth ₹25 lakh from his home. His brother, two wives, and mother were arrested in this case. Investigations following his arrest, in this case, revealed a pattern of criminal behaviour spanning several years.

Gnanasekaran’s modus operandi targeted unoccupied homes in affluent areas like Mylapore, ECR, and Abhiramapuram between 7 and 9 PM when traffic and movement concealed his actions. To avoid leaving traces, he would sprinkle chilli powder to mislead sniffer dogs. However, in one instance in CIT Colony, he mistakenly used a health drink powder, “Boost,” instead, leading to his capture through sniffer dogs.

Gnanasekaran was recently arrested for sexually assaulting a student within the Anna University campus. The case brought his extensive criminal background to light.

In separate incidents, he looted 37 and 45 sovereigns of gold jewellery from two homes owned by businessmen in the Abhiramapuram locality.
He also stole 40 sovereigns of gold from a businessman’s home in a CIT colony but was caught because he had used “Boost” powder instead of chilli powder.

The police have uncovered that Gnanasekaran used the proceeds of his crimes to purchase a 3.5 farmhouse in Thandaripet, Chengalpattu district, near Madhuranthakam. The property became his hideout after robberies. Another farmhouse near Uttaramerur also bought with stolen money, has been linked to him.

Following his arrest in the Anna University case, CCTV footage from 2018 revealed his involvement in a robbery where he wore a mask. This evidence and subsequent investigations exposed his role in multiple crimes.

According to the police, Gnanasekaran was a habitual offender who meticulously planned his crimes. He operated with his family’s assistance and targeted homes during specific hours to exploit their vulnerability. His criminal activities have shocked residents of Chennai and surrounding areas.

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