Full Breakdown
Fresh POCSO Complaint Expands Probe into Granite Baron R Veeramani
By Drooid · · How we work
New Allegation and Investigation Update
On September 28 the mother of a 16-year-old girl who died by suicide approached the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the POCSO case against R Veeramani. She filed a fresh complaint alleging that her daughter was sexually abused by the granite businessman. The all-women SIT, constituted on September 24, has registered a new POCSO case and begun a separate inquiry. Police have appealed for any information, documents or evidence related to the allegation and have assured confidentiality for informants.
Background of the Case
The investigation began after a complaint on October 6 2025 and an FIR on October 7 2025, naming Veeramani and his associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan under Sections 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act. Veeramani, 84, was arrested on August 29 and remains in judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison.
A video allegedly showing Veeramani abusing a minor was first presented in November 2024 by Congress functionary R Kumar, who met Additional Commissioner N Kannan on November 22 2024. The same video was re-submitted by an activist in October 2025, after which the FIR was lodged.
A prior complaint concerning a 2014 suicide was recorded under Section 174 of the CrPC, but the records were destroyed in a 2017 fire at the police station. The mother of that girl filed a new complaint after learning of Veeramani’s August arrest.
Data & Statistics
- R Veeramani, age 84, founder of GEM Granites.
- Arrests: Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan.
- Senior IPS officers placed on compulsory wait: A Arun (ADGP, Police Academy) and N Kannan (Coimbatore Police Commissioner).
- SIT composition: Additional Commissioner P C Thenmozhi, Joint Commissioner Disha Mittal, Superintendent J Mutharasi, Deputy Commissioner V V Geethanjali.
- Court remand extended to October 9.
Official Statements & Responses
The SIT has issued a public appeal, providing a WhatsApp number (9345319676) for confidential tips. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports and announced a fact-finding team to conduct an on-ground inquiry in Chennai.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan ordered media and online platforms to remove any video material related to the case by September 26 and to submit a compliance report by September 30.
Criticism & Opposition
Political leaders have accused the ruling Tamil aga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government of delaying justice. Former chief minister M K Stalin charged that TVK “politicises” the case and questioned the timing of the fresh complaint during an election campaign.
Former AIADMK chief O Palaniswami alleged that TVK delayed Veeramani’s arrest for two-and-a-half months despite a court order, describing the delay as a “blatant lie” for political mileage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on when police first received the incriminating video. NDTV reports that R Kumar handed a video to police in November 2024, while the FIR was filed only in October 2025 after a separate video was submitted by an activist. The destruction of the 2014 suicide case file in the 2017 fire also leaves a gap in the evidentiary record, prompting the SIT to re-examine the earlier complaint.
What’s Next
The NCPCR fact-finding team is scheduled to visit Chennai to assess the allegations. The SIT will continue to interview witnesses, verify the new mother’s complaint, and examine the earlier video material. The POCSO court has extended Veeramani’s remand to October 9, and further judicial orders are expected as the investigation proceeds.