R Veeramani POCSO investigation expands amid cover-up allegations

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered an intensified investigation into a POCSO case involving 84-year-old granite businessman R Veeramani, also known as ‘Gem Veeramani’. The probe follows reports that nine additional minor girls have come forward to allege sexual abuse by the industrialist.

Greater Chennai Police are now investigating potential cover-up attempts and bribery involving officials during the previous DMK administration. A special team has been established to probe whether financial transactions were used to derail the investigation after police had previously sought to close the case due to an inability to identify victims.

In addition to Veeramani, who was arrested on August 29, authorities have arrested two associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, and a former Gem Granites employee, Ganesan, for allegedly failing to report the crimes. The investigation has expanded to include charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after one survivor was identified as belonging to a Scheduled Caste community.