started · updated
R. Veeramani POCSO case: Tamil Nadu forms all-woman SIT
Tamil Nadu authorities have intensified their investigation into a major POCSO case involving R. Veeramani, the 84-year-old founder of Gem Granites, who is accused of running a decades-long child exploitation ring. To ensure a comprehensive probe, the Director General of Police has formed a four-member all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Commissioner PC Thenmozhi.
The investigation has led to significant administrative shifts. Senior IPS officers A. Arun and N. Kannan have been placed on compulsory wait following scrutiny over the handling of earlier complaints. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner M. A. Yasmin has been moved to vacancy reserve. The Central Crime Branch has conducted raids at five locations linked to Veeramani and his associates, seizing digital evidence and mobile phones.
Controversy has emerged regarding the timeline of the case. Congress MP Ranjan Kumar claims he provided video evidence of the abuse to police as early as 2022 or 2024, alleging that the initial investigation was suppressed. Meanwhile, investigators are examining allegations of institutional cover-ups and potential bribery involving officials and political intermediaries. Several individuals, including Veeramani, his associate Shanthi, and her husband Mahendra Simhan, are currently in custody.
Entities
C. Joseph Vijay · Chennai · Chennai Central Crime Branch · Chennai Police · Gem Granites · R Veeramani · R. Veeramani · Ranjan Kumar · Tamil Nadu · Tamil Nadu Police · Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 12 SOURCES] R. Veeramani is accused of sexually abusing multiple minor girls over several years. chennaivision.com · www.deccanchronicle.com · www.news18.com · www.timesnownews.com · bhaskarlive.in · +6 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] A former employee, Ganesan, was arrested for allegedly possessing a video of the assault and failing to report it. www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com · thefederal.com · chennaivision.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Central Crime Branch searched five locations linked to R. Veeramani and his associates, seizing digital evidence and mobile phones. www.newindianexpress.com · www.news18.com · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Look Out Circular has been issued against businessman Prakash, who is suspected of being linked to Veeramani through financial transactions. www.newindianexpress.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Tamil Nadu government placed ADGP A. Arun and IG N. Kannan on compulsory wait for alleged inaction regarding the 2024 complaint. www.nakkheeran.in · madhyamamonline.com · thecommunemag.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 5 SOURCES] Congress MP Ranjan Kumar claims he alerted Chennai police to the abuse with video evidence as early as 2022 or 2024. chennaivision.com · www.deccanchronicle.com · www.timesnownews.com · madhyamamonline.com · www.dtnext.in
- [● 2 SOURCES] The POCSO Special Court permitted the police to take Shanthi and her husband, Mahendra Simhan, into custody for three days. chennaivision.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Assistant Commissioner of Police M. A. Yasmin was moved out of her posting amid questions regarding the case handling. chennaivision.com · www.dtnext.in · newsable.asianetnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Tamil Nadu Police formed an all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the POCSO case. thefederal.com