Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan confirmed that the accused in the recent sexual assault case at Anna University was a frequent visitor to the campus due to his ties with a temporary staff member. In an interview with India Today, Chezhiaan admitted that the accused’s connection led to a lack of suspicion, granting him regular access to the university grounds.
The assault, which occurred around 8 pm on December 23, 2024, raised serious concerns about security lapses and the oversight of safety protocols at the institution. Minister Chezhiaan acknowledged the existence of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Committee at Anna University but emphasized that the incident had not been reported to them. He stated that if the students had raised concerns, an investigation would have been initiated.
The minister assured that new safety measures would be implemented within 10 days to prevent future incidents. These measures include weekly POSH committee reports to strengthen oversight and ensure better campus security.
Chezhiaan also addressed criticisms from opposition parties, including the BJP and AIADMK, who accused the ruling DMK of failing to maintain law and order. He reiterated that the state government is fully committed to supporting the investigation and ensuring that the accused receives severe punishment.
Protests erupted across Tamil Nadu in response to the incident, highlighting the widespread public concern over safety in educational institutions.
