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19 clusters · 36 sources · 52 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 3 days ago

R. Veeramani POCSO investigation expands to eight cases

Overview

The investigation into R. Veeramani, the 84-year-old founder of Gem Granites, has expanded significantly, with authorities now registering eight cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The probe, revitalized after a Special POCSO Court rejected a police closure report, has seen 12 victims come forward with allegations of sexual abuse. Key developments include the arrest of Veeramani, his associates M. Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, a former employee Ganesan, a manager Sakthivel, and three drivers accused of transporting minors to abuse sites. Authorities have also issued Look Out Circulars (LOC) against five suspects to prevent them from fleeing the country. Investigators have interrogated Veeramani’s daughter, Archana, regarding his alleged criminal activities and financial maneuvers. A four-member all-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) is leading the probe, which includes examining allegations that Veeramani used a foundation for female students as a front to identify victims. The investigation has also scrutinized senior IPS officers, such as former Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, regarding the handling of prior complaints. The case remains a major political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu, involving accusations of bribery and cover-ups between the DMK and other political entities. While a petition sought to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Madras High Court denied the request, ruling that the SIT probe is in its initial stages. Recent developments show police have invoked the Goondas Act against Veeramani, Shanthi, and Mahendra Simhan. Additionally, authorities are seeking to freeze the passport of N. Prakash, who is accused of assisting Veeramani in covering up crimes and has reportedly fled the country. In the latest developments, the SIT recorded a statement from a new minor girl, a former witness in an existing case, who alleges she was also sexually harassed by Veeramani.

Entities

Gem Granites · R Veeramani · R. Veeramani · Special Investigation Team · Chennai

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] Police arrested R. Veeramani and his associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, on August 29.
[● 3 SOURCES] Nine additional minor girls have provided statements alleging sexual abuse by the businessman.
[● 3 SOURCES] A fourth suspect, 45-year-old Ganesan, was arrested on September 22.
[● 2 SOURCES] The businessman allegedly sexually abused seven more minor girls in addition to the original complainant.
[● 12 SOURCES] R. Veeramani is accused of sexually abusing multiple minor girls over several years.
[● 9 SOURCES] Police filed a closure report in 2024 citing insufficient evidence before the case was reopened.
[● 5 SOURCES] The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Wing of Chennai Police arrested Ganesan, a former employee of Gem Granites, after recovering a video allegedly involving a minor from his mobile phone.
[● 5 SOURCES] Congress MP Ranjan Kumar claims he alerted Chennai police to the abuse with video evidence as early as 2022 or 2024.
[● 5 SOURCES] Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay alleged political collusion between the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP regarding the case.
[● 4 SOURCES] R. Veeramani has been arrested in connection with a POCSO case.

Timeline

3 days ago

[CRIME] 3 sources
R. Veeramani investigation: New allegations and vehicle seizure
Police investigating granite baron R. Veeramani recorded a new allegation of sexual harassment from a minor girl and seized a vehicle allegedly used in the crimes. Chargesheets are expected next week.
9 days ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Tamil Nadu police seek passport freeze for businessman in POCSO case
Tamil Nadu police are seeking to freeze the passport of businessman N Prakash, an alleged aide to industrialist R Veeramani, as investigations continue into multiple POCSO Act cases.
16 days ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
Granite businessman Veeramani faces eighth POCSO case
Granite businessman Veeramani faces an eighth POCSO case as investigations into the alleged sexual abuse of 12 minors continue in India. Multiple associates have been arrested and LOCs issued.
25 days ago

[CRIME] 3 sources
Madras High Court denies CBI probe into R Veeramani POCSO cases
The Madras High Court refused to transfer the POCSO investigation involving Gem Granites owner R Veeramani to the CBI, allowing the ongoing SIT probe to continue.
30 days ago

[CRIME] 5 sources
R. Veeramani investigation expands with new POCSO cases and questioning of senior officers
The SIT investigation into businessman R. Veeramani has expanded, with new POCSO cases registered and senior IPS officers questioned regarding the handling of previous complaints.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Gem Veeramani accused of exploiting minors through charitable foundation
Granite businessman Gem Veeramani is under investigation for allegedly exploiting minors through a foundation meant to support female students in Tamil Nadu.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 3 sources
Gem Granites owner R Veeramani facing multiple POCSO investigations
Police in Chennai have arrested three former employees of Gem Granites owner R Veeramani for alleged abetment in ongoing POCSO Act investigations involving child sexual exploitation.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
R Veeramani and associates detained under Goondas Act in sexual abuse probe
Gem Granites founder R Veeramani and two associates have been detained under the Goondas Act amid multiple sexual abuse allegations and investigations into potential official cover-ups.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 7 sources
R. Veeramani investigation: SIT to file chargesheet within 10 days
The Special Investigation Team is expected to file a chargesheet within 10 days regarding the sexual abuse case against Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani, amid new allegations and a third POCSO case.
about 1 month ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
Veeramani, Gem Granites founder, faces expanded POCSO investigation
Police in Chennai have expanded a POCSO investigation into Gem Granites founder R Veeramani following 15 complaints of sexual abuse and a new allegation regarding a 2004 suicide.
about 1 month ago

[POLITICS] 8 sources
DMK petitions SIT to summon CM Vijay and ministers over Veeramani case
The DMK has urged a Special Investigation Team to summon CM Vijay and two ministers to explain allegations that the party protected Gem Group chairman R. Veeramani.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
R. Veeramani POCSO investigation: SIT seeks more officers
The SIT investigating Gem Group chairman R. Veeramani in a POCSO case has requested more senior officers. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court has restricted media from publishing related videos to protect victims.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 20 sources
R. Veeramani POCSO case triggers political row in Tamil Nadu
The POCSO investigation into Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani has expanded, with 15 complainants reported. The case has sparked intense political conflict between CM Vijay and the DMK over allegations of a 20
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 14 sources
R. Veeramani POCSO case: Tamil Nadu forms all-woman SIT
Tamil Nadu has formed an all-woman SIT to investigate child abuse allegations against Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani, amid the removal of senior police officers over claims of investigation delays.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Gem Veeramani POCSO case: Lookout notice issued for union leader's son
A lookout notice has been issued for Prakash, son of union leader Kannaiya, in the Gem Veeramani POCSO case amid allegations of a ₹70 crore settlement to influence the investigation.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Tamil Nadu businessman R. Veeramani accused of child exploitation
Granite businessman R. Veeramani faces allegations of targeting girls aged 12-16 with gifts to facilitate sexual abuse, according to investigative reports in Tamil Nadu.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 13 sources
R. Veeramani POCSO investigation intensifies in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay has ordered an intensified POCSO probe into Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani following allegations of sexual abuse by multiple minors and claims of a ₹70 crore bribery cover-up.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 2 sources
Businessman Veeramani arrested in Chennai sexual assault case
Gem Group chairman Veeramani and two associates have been arrested in Chennai following allegations of sexual assault involving at least nine girls, including the discovery of disturbing video evidence.
about 2 months ago

[CRIME] 4 sources
R Veeramani POCSO case: Multiple survivors identified
Chennai police have identified multiple survivors in a POCSO case against Gem Group founder R Veeramani, leading to additional charges under the SC/ST Act and a reopened investigation.

Sources

aajtak.com · assamtribune.com · bhaskarhindi.com · bhaskarlive.in · chennaivision.com · cinema.vikatan.com · deccanchronicle.com · desitalkchicago.com · dtnext.in · hindutamil.in · kalingatv.com · lawchakra.in · maalaimalar.com · madhyamamonline.com · malaimurasu.com · millenniumpost.in · nakkheeran.in · nationalheraldindia.com · newindianexpress.com · news18.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · newslaundry.com · newstodaynet.com · samacharnama.com · sanjeevnitoday.com · siasat.com · socialnews.xyz · tamilminutes.com · tamilmurasu.com.sg · tennews.in · thecommunemag.com · thefederal.com · thenewsminute.com · timesnownews.com · vikatan.com · yespunjab.com

This summary has been updated 36 times: see revision history