Granite Baron Veeramani Faces Wider POCSO Probe, SC/ST Charges Added

The investigation into the POCSO case against GEM Group chairman R Veeramani has widened significantly, with Chennai Police identifying multiple alleged survivors and examining whether sexual offences were committed against minors over several years and at multiple locations. Police said several survivors were minors when the alleged assaults took place, while some are still below 18. Their statements have been recorded before a court as investigators work to establish the full extent of the allegations.

The case came to light on October 6, 2025, when a person approached Chennai Police with a pen drive containing footage that purportedly showed a minor girl being sexually assaulted. A case was registered the following day. Investigators later identified the man in the footage as Veeramani, while the alleged incident was linked to a Teynampet house rented by him and managed by associates Shanthi (60) and her husband Mahendra Simhan (63).

The investigation initially faced difficulties in identifying and locating the girl and recovering original digital evidence. In February 2026, police submitted a “further action dropped” report before the Special POCSO Court. The court rejected the closure attempt and ordered further investigation, prompting fresh searches and examination of electronic material.

The renewed probe eventually led police to trace the girl featured in the original video, whose statement was recorded before a Judicial Magistrate. Police subsequently verified that she belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, leading to the addition of provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Authorities said financial assistance would be provided under the applicable framework.

Police have since identified multiple alleged survivors, with investigators examining whether offences occurred at the Teynampet property, Veeramani’s residence, an office and a guest house on Chennai’s outskirts. Reports have also indicated that investigators are examining allegations potentially dating back to 2003. Police are yet to establish a final number of survivors.

Veeramani, Shanthi and Simhan were arrested on August 29, 2026 and remanded in judicial custody. Police are examining their respective roles, additional electronic evidence and allegations of possible evidence concealment. The investigation has also come under internal scrutiny, with Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj ordering an examination of the case handling and earlier delay.

An Egmore court has now granted police three days' custody of Veeramani. Given his age of over 80 and reported health concerns, questioning has been directed to take place within the prison/court premises. He has also been allowed daily access to his lawyer.

The accused have been booked under Sections 7, 8, 15(1) and 21(1) of the POCSO Act, along with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act. The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic examination and other evidence still being assessed. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.