Full Breakdown
Court Refuses CBI Transfer as SIT Nears Chargesheet in Veeramani POCSO Cases
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Madras High Court rejected a petition to hand the POCSO investigation against GEM Granites founder R. Veeramani to the CBI. Justice V. Lakshminarayanan said the four-member all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up on 24 Sept 2026, needed “breathing space” to collect evidence. The court also adjourned a DMK-filed petition by four weeks on 30 Sept 2026. Police say the SIT expects to file a charge-sheet within ten days of the hearing.
Background & Context
The first POCSO FIR was registered on 7 Oct 2025 after a pen-drive allegedly showing Veeramani assaulting a 12-year-old was submitted. Veeramani, aged 84-85, was arrested on 28 Aug (some reports say 29 Aug) with associate Shanthi (60) and her husband Mahendra Simhan (63). Former employee Ganesan was arrested on 22 Sept for possessing the video.
A second case was lodged in early September 2026 based on a mother’s complaint; a third case on 28 Sept 2026 links Veeramani to a 2004 student suicide. The NCPCR has taken suo motu cognizance.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 6 Oct 2025 | Video alleging abuse delivered to police. |
| 7 Oct 2025 | POCSO FIR registered. |
| Feb 2026 | Police closure report rejected by court. |
| 28/29 Aug 2026 | Veeramani and two associates arrested. |
| 22 Sept 2026 | Ganesan arrested. |
| 24 Sept 2026 | All-women SIT constituted. |
| 25 Sept 2026 | SIT began investigation. |
| 27 Sept 2026 | DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu filed petition. |
| 28 Sept 2026 | New victim complaint lodged. |
| 29 Sept 2026 | Veeramani booked for alleged abetment of 2004 suicide. |
| 30 Sept 2026 | Court adjourned DMK petition; emphasized SIT’s uninterrupted work. |
| 1 Oct 2026 | SIT’s first report due. |
| 7 Oct 2026 | Further hearing on petition. |
| 9 Oct 2026 | Judicial custody of Veeramani reviewed. |
Data & Statistics
- 84-85 years – Veeramani’s age.
- Three co-accused in custody.
- INR24.63 cr transferred to Shanthi; INR2 cr to Mahendra Simhan (alleged).
- Four women officers on the SIT.
- Victims aged 12-15, several from Scheduled Castes.
Official Statements & Responses
The court warned against politicising the matter and asked the petitioner to submit material to the SIT.
State public prosecutor R. John Sathyan said any person may approach the SIT with evidence.
DMK treasurer T.R. Baalu petitioned the SIT to summon Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and ministers Aadhav Arjuna and C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar, alleging they might hold material that could shield Veeramani.
Criticism & Opposition
The ruling TVK government accused the previous DMK administration of suppressing the probe, while the DMK claimed TVK was exploiting the case for electoral gain. Congress functionary Ranjan Kumar said he alerted police on 24 Nov 2024 with video material, after which senior officers were placed on “compulsory wait.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
What’s Next
The SIT is to submit its first report by 1 Oct. The Madras High Court will hear the DMK petition on 7 Oct and review Veeramani’s judicial custody on 9 Oct. The NCPCR plans an on-ground fact-finding visit in the coming weeks.