The Rape case of a student on the Anna University campus has raised serious concerns among staff and students regarding the adequacy of security measures. Many expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the existing CCTV cameras and security personnel without a proper monitoring system in place. Over 400 cameras have been installed at key locations across the university’s 180-acre campus, but they are hardly effective without a proper monitoring mechanism in place.
Students and senior faculty of Anna University claimed that the absence of a vice-chancellor (V-C) has also been cited as a major factor contributing to inefficiencies in monitoring and enhancing campus security. Anna University Registrar J. Prakash reported that “Security personnel are always on duty on the university campus, and surveillance cameras are in place. However, this unfortunate incident has occurred. Additional security measures will be implemented to ensure such incidents do not occur again”.
The Incident, which occurred on December 23, involved a 37-year-old man named Gnanasekaran who sells biryani near the University. He was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting the student, which sparked protests by student organizations and ignited political controversy.
Opposition AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the assault, calling it “shameful” and a reflection of the declining law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai also expressed shock and alleged that non-functioning CCTV cameras contributed to the incident, highlighting what he described as the “current state of law and order in Tamil Nadu.”
Actor-politician Vijay who is the chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday expressed deep shock and pain over the incident. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to take swift legal action against the perpetrator and ensure justice for the survivor. Vijay pointed out the importance of enhancing women’s safety through measures such as installing smart poles, emergency buttons, and CCTV cameras in vulnerable areas, including educational and public spaces.
He said “The news of a student being sexually assaulted on the Anna University campus in Chennai is shocking and painful. Although the police have reported that the person responsible for the assault had been arrested. He further requested the Tamil Nadu government to take swift legal action and ensure appropriate punishment to the perpetrator”.
Vijay also advised the effective use of the annual Nirbhaya Fund to identify high-risk areas and install safety infrastructure like smart poles equipped with emergency buttons and CCTV cameras. He stressed that women’s safety should be prioritized in all spaces, including educational institutions, private establishments, and public areas. He further argued, “It is vital to create awareness about legal assistance and psychological support for women. Such awareness initiatives should be incorporated into their education.”
