Full Breakdown
Expanded Investigation into the R Veeramani POCSO Case
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Prior Allegations
The case against R Veeramani, 84, chairman of GEM Granites, began after a pen-drive given to the Anti-Vice Squad showed a minor being assaulted. The video, dated 2019, led to a POCSO complaint on October 7 2025. A Special POCSO Court rejected an earlier police closure report and ordered further inquiry. Earlier complaints were recorded in 2013 and 2015 but no action was taken, prompting later political criticism.
Chronology of Key Developments
- October 7 2025 – POCSO complaint filed.
- November 21 2024 – MP Ranjan Kumar says he submitted a written complaint and video evidence to senior police officials.
- February 3 2026 – Two East Coast Road properties owned by Veeramani sold for INR36.52 crore and INR43.72 crore.
- August 29 2026 – Veeramani, aide Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
- September 22 2026 – Former employee Ganesan arrested for retaining the video.
- September 23 2026 – Central Crime Branch raided five premises, seizing phones, documents and electronic data.
Key Figures
- R Veeramani – Chairman, GEM Granites; accused of multiple sexual assaults of minors.
- Shanthi – Aide; alleged accomplice.
- Mahendra Simhan – Shanthi’s husband; accused of facilitating offences.
- Ganesan – Former employee; arrested for possessing the video.
- MP Ranjan Kumar – Congress leader who alerted police in 2024.
- Annamalai – Former IPS officer demanding a Special Investigation Team.
- A Rajmohan – Minister for School Education, monitoring the probe.
- C Joseph Vijay – Chief Minister, who ordered a detailed investigation.
Financial and Property Transactions
Investigators are tracing money flows linked to the February 2026 property sales, which occurred shortly after police sought to close the case. Reports cite a combined transaction value of roughly INR90 crore, though individual sale prices are listed as INR36.52 crore and INR43.72 crore. The discrepancy remains unresolved.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay summoned the Police Commissioner. A Rajmohan said the investigation has been expanded and is under close monitoring. The DMK’s legal wing, represented by N R Elango, rejected accusations that the previous administration shielded Veeramani, stating the police report did not constitute abandonment of the case.
Criticism & Opposition
Minister Aadhav Arjuna questioned why the earlier DMK government allegedly attempted to close the case, demanding an explanation from former Chief Minister M K Stalin. MP Ranjan Kumar maintains he alerted police in 2024, suggesting a lapse in earlier action.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Property sale values differ: combined INR90 crore versus the separate figures above.
- The exact number of alleged victims varies; sources cite “more than seven” minors, while earlier reports mentioned “multiple.”
- Alleged financial transfers to police officers and media personalities remain unverified; investigators are still examining the money trail.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The investigation cannot stop with the arrest of Veeramani and his accomplices. Every police officer, politician and influential individual who helped shield him for the past many years must also be brought to justice,” — Annamalai
What’s Next
The Central Crime Branch has scheduled further interrogations of three police officers—Assistant Commissioner Yasmin and Inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Rajalakshmi. Investigators will continue analyzing seized digital evidence and financial documents to determine whether any individuals attempted to obstruct the original probe. The court’s next hearing on the case’s progress is expected in the coming weeks.