Full Breakdown
Intensified Probe into POCSO Case Against Granite Baron R Veeramani
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Recent Developments
The case against R Veeramani, chairman of the Gem Group and described in media as a “granite baron,” originated after police received a USB drive containing a video that allegedly shows a minor girl being assaulted at his guest house in Teynampet. The investigation was formally registered in October 2025. Initial police attempts to close the case were rejected by the Special Court for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) at the Madras High Court, prompting a broader inquiry.
Official Actions and Judicial Oversight
On August 29, Veeramani was arrested along with two alleged accomplices, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan. A senior police official confirmed that statements from seven identified victims were recorded before the court. Following the arrest, the POCSO Special Court granted three days’ custody for interrogation. Because of Veeramani’s advanced age and health concerns, questioning is being conducted inside Puzhal Central Prison from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. under video recording by the Central Crime Branch’s Anti-Vice Squad, with the schedule extending until September 20.
He instructed a special team of women police Sub-Inspectors, led by ACP Rajalakshmi, to identify all minor girls appearing in the video and to arrest anyone found linked to the offence.
Victim Profile and Support Measures
Police have identified multiple survivors, many from economically under-privileged backgrounds; one survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, leading to the addition of charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The court has also authorized financial assistance for the affected victim under that Act. Survivors were minors at the time of the alleged assaults, which are reported to have occurred over several years, beginning in 2019.
Ongoing Inquiry
Law-enforcement authorities continue to verify whether additional minors were abused and are examining the full scope of the alleged network. The investigation remains active, with daily access to legal counsel permitted for Veeramani during his custodial period.
