Full Breakdown
Tamil Nadu’s Gem Granites Founder R Veeramani Faces New POCSO Case Amid Expanded Probe and Political Fallout
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A fresh POCSO case was registered on September 28 2026 against R Veeramani, 84, chairman of Gem Granites. The complaint, filed by a mother alleging abuse of her minor daughter, is now handled by the four-woman Special Investigation Team (SIT) already probing the earlier case. Veeramani, in Puzhal Central Prison since his arrest on August 29 2026, remains in judicial custody, extended to October 9 2026.
Background & Context
The investigation began in October 2025 when a pen-drive with a video allegedly showing Veeramani assaulting a minor was handed to a child-rights activist. The Central Crime Branch filed an FIR on October 7 2025, but police sought closure in February 2026, citing inability to identify the girl. A Special POCSO Court rejected the closure report, ordering further inquiry. Raids later identified seven additional survivors (aged 12-15) and led to the arrest of Veeramani, his associate Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan on August 28-29 2026.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 21 2024 | Complaint filed alleging abuse. |
| Oct 6 2025 | Pen-drive left at ICWO office. |
| Oct 7 2025 | FIR registered. |
| Feb 18 2026 | Police file closure report; court rejects it. |
| Aug 28-29 2026 | Veeramani, Shanthi, Simhan arrested. |
| Sep 24 2026 | Four-woman SIT constituted. |
| Sep 25 2026 | Custody extended to Oct 9 2026. |
| Sep 30 2026 | High Court hearing on CBI takeover petition. |
| Oct 9 2026 | Scheduled end of current custody. |
Data & Statistics
- Veeramani 84; Shanthi 60; Mahendra Simhan 63.
- Seven survivors, all 12-15 at the time of alleged abuse.
- Financial trails: INR24.63 cr transferred from Veeramani to Shanthi and INR2 cr from Shanthi to Simhan; two property sales on Feb 3 2026 for INR36.52 cr and INR43.72 cr.
- Electronic devices seized from five locations on Sep 23 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
- Madras High Court – Justice V. (statement omitted).
- Law Minister N. Kumar – probe will be “absolutely impartial” and any attempt to shield the accused will face strict action.
- Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay – accused the previous DMK administration of burying the case.
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) – took suo motu cognizance and formed a fact-finding team.
Criticism & Opposition
- Congress leader R. Kumar alleged that a video was received in 2024 but not acted upon, suggesting political interference.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Timing of video receipt – NDTV reports police had a video in 2024; police maintain the first material arrived in Oct 2025.
- Closure rationale – police cite lack of identifiable victims; critics claim it was to protect the accused.
- Financial transactions – transfers are documented, but their purpose remains unverified.
What’s Next
- The High Court will hear the CBI takeover petition on September 30 2026.
- The SIT must issue weekly updates, the first expected within days.
- Veeramani’s custody expires on October 9 2026; the court will then decide on further detention or bail.
The investigation now sits at the intersection of criminal proceedings and a political contest ahead of Tamil Nadu’s October 6 by-elections.
