A new development has come to the fore in the Anna University sexual assault case, wherein the accused Gnansekaran is reportedly found to have encroached on land belonging to the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple.
According to a report of the Commune, an investigation has been initiated by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department along with the revenue department in this regard against Gnansekaran, an alleged DMK functionary. During the initial investigation, the revenue department found that 26 buildings had been built on the encroached temple land, including the house of Gnansekaran. An assessment work of the land is currently being done by the departments.
The encroachment of the temple by Gnansekaran was reportedly uncovered during an investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Gnansekaran has constructed a three-story building on the encroached temple land in which he lives along with his two wives. As per the report, it was revealed after an inspection led by Guindy Tahsildar Manimekalai and a review of the land records, that the encroached land is spread across 1 acre and 17 cents.
Further investigations carried out by HR&CE officers including Tahsildar Thirubenkadam and Temple Administration Officer Narayani disclosed that 26 other families have also been illegally occupying the temple land and carrying out construction on temple property.
Gnansekaran, a biryani-vendor from Kottapuram, is a history sheeter and is wanted by the police in several cases including robbery, abduction and the use of stolen funds for acquiring assets. An investigation has been initiated by the police against Gnansekaran. The process of removing the encroachments and reclaiming the temple property has also been started.
