A Chennai court's verdict in connection with the Anna University sexual assault case, in which the convict has been awarded 30 years' imprisonment last week, has triggered a heated exchange between the ruling DMK and the main Opposition AIADMK.

Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, AIADMK's E Palaniswami, has accused the MK Stalin government of rushing the investigation to cover the man with whom the perpetrator had allegedly spoken to during the sexual assault.

Chief Minister Stalin responded to the allegations, saying the court praised cops for their investigation and added that this had exposed those trying to gain brownie points from the tragic event.

A Mahila court in Chennai has sentenced Gnanasekaran, a biryani vendor and DMK supporter, to life imprisonment in the sexual assault case at Anna University, which sparked massive outrage in Chennai.

The court found Gnanasekaran guilty of committing all 11 charges, including sexual assault, rape, intimidation and kidnapping. He had earlier pleaded for relief, citing his need to be at home to look after his elderly mother and eight-year-old daughter.

The incident took place on December 23 when Gnanasekaran entered the campus and sexually assaulted a 19-year-old survivor. He then filmed the act to blackmail her later, and was arrested the same day.

Following the court's ruling, AIADMK's Palaniswami alleged that the MK Stalin government played many tricks to save the accused. He said the people's movement made the conviction possible.

Referring to a "Sir" mention in the FIR, the AIADMK leader asked why this individual's involvement was not probed during the investigation.

"Why did the DMK government rush to conclude this case by saying that only Gnanasekaran was guilty? Who saved SIR? Once AIADMK government is formed, all answers will be available," Palaniswami said.