Granite Baron's POCSO Case: Investigation, Arrests and Political Fallout

On August 29 2026, Greater Chennai Police arrested R. Veeramani, 84, chairman of Gem Group, and alleged accomplices Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan. The arrests followed a special POCSO court order on August 19 that rejected a police closure report and mandated further investigation. Police identified Veeramani from video footage recovered from a pen-drive and traced the minor survivor, who was 12 at the time of the alleged 2019 assault.

Pen drive video, an untraced girl and a court that refused to close the case: What led to granite baron Veeramani's arrest ThePrintThe HinduNew Indian ExpressIn Granite Baron R Veeramani Child Sex Abuse Case, Ex-Employee Arrested Hindustan TimesPocso case: Granite baron Veeramani’s aide arrested The HinduGodfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani

The case began with a complaint filed on October 6 2025 by a child-rights activist in Anna Nagar. The complaint was sent to the Immoral Traffic Prevention Unit, and on October 9 the Central Crime Branch registered a POCSO case under Sections 7 and 8. Initial attempts to close the case cited the inability to identify the victim and lack of usable CCTV footage.

The Hindu

• Oct 6 2025 – Complaint lodged.

The Hindu

• Oct 9 2025 – POCSO case registered.

ThePrint

• Mid-2025 – Pen-drive with alleged assault video received; Veeramani identified.

Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani

• Aug 19 2026 – Court rejects closure report, orders fresh inquiry.

The Hindu

• July 2026 – Inquiry reopened; police search Shanthi’s residence and recover alleged footage.

The Hindu

• Aug 29 2026 – Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan arrested; former Gem employee Ganesan detained for possessing the video.

The Hindu

• Victims identified: reports vary—ThePrint notes eight survivors, NDTV cites at least nine, IndiaToday reports more than seven minors, and The Hindu mentions three additional victims.

ThePrint

• Age range: 12–16 years, with one survivor belonging to a Scheduled Caste community, invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

ThePrint

• Financial allegations: police are probing alleged transactions of INR70-90 crore linked to property sales and possible attempts to influence the earlier investigation.

Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani

Police said a cyber-forensic expert examined the pen-drive video and positively identified Veeramani. They also reported that Shanthi and her husband facilitated the movement of minor girls to a rented house in Teynampet where the alleged assaults occurred.

The HinduIn Granite Baron R Veeramani Child Sex Abuse Case, Ex-Employee Arrested Pen drive video, an untraced girl and a court that refused to close the case: What led to granite baron Veeramani's arrest Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani Pocso case: Granite baron Veeramani’s aide arrested ThePrintNew Indian Express

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay summoned the police commissioner for a briefing, directing investigators to expedite the probe, protect survivor identities and examine any financial irregularities.

Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani

Tamil Nadu Law Minister C. T. R. Nirmal Kumar accused the previous DMK administration of shielding Veeramani, asking why the case was not pursued after the video was obtained. Former DMK Law Minister S. Regupathy rejected the allegations, stating the FIR was filed during the DMK tenure and that the video was “shadowy” and did not clearly identify the perpetrator.

In Granite Baron R Veeramani Child Sex Abuse Case, Ex-Employee Arrested

• Number of victims: eight, nine, more than seven, three additional.

ThePrint

• Status of the original video: The Hindu reports the original footage could not be recovered from the DVR, while later police statements claim the video was retrieved from a pen-drive and identified Veeramani.

The Hindu

• Investigation timeline: Some sources indicate a five-month initial probe before a closure attempt; others describe a rapid breakthrough within 40 days after the court’s intervention.

Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron Veeramani

The Central Crime Branch continues to examine financial transactions, property sales and possible interference by officials. A senior Child Welfare Committee member said the committee awaits the police report before taking further action for the survivors’ protection. The investigation remains open, with additional suspects and victims potentially forthcoming.

ThePrint