Gem Veeramani booked in eighth POCSO case based on minor’s complaint

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases against Gem Granites chairman Veeramani has registered another fresh case, taking the total number of POCSO cases against him to eight. Besides these, Veeramani was also booked for the abetment of a minor’s suicide in 2004.

According to the Greater Chennai Police, the latest POCSO case was registered on October 21, based on a complaint and statement from another minor girl. The police said action had been initiated against Veeramani and other accused based on complaints involving 12 minor girls so far.

The investigation is nearing completion, and a final report is expected to be filed before the court shortly, the police said in a press release.

Veeramani and his associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were initially arrested by the Greater Chennai Police's Anti-Vice Squad on August 29. Another accused Ganesan, who allegedly possessed another video related to the case but failed to inform the police, was arrested on September 22 and remanded to judicial custody.

Three drivers — Lazar, Parthiban and Babu — were arrested on October 5 for allegedly facilitating the offences by bringing minor girls to Veeramani. Sakthivel, a manager of Gem Granites, who was allegedly involved in assisting Veeramani, was also arrested on October 18.

The police said eight accused had been arrested so far in connection with the cases.

LOCs issued against five people 

The Greater Chennai Police have issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against five people who are accused or suspected of involvement in the cases, to prevent them from fleeing the country.

According to the police, the five individuals are suspected of having possession of, or knowledge of, documents and information connected to the case.

An LOC is used to alert authorities about individuals sought by investigating agencies to prevent them from entering or leaving the country through land, air and sea ports.

Veeramani's daughter questioned 

The SIT also questioned Archana, Veeramani's daughter, regarding her father’s alleged criminal activities and financial transactions allegedly made to evade legal action.

Archana was detained by the SIT at the Chennai International Airport on October 23 when she was preparing to leave for Singapore. She was subsequently allowed to return home after being hospitalised due to an ailment.

The police said Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendrasimhan and Ganesan had been taken into police custody for interrogation. The questioning is being conducted at Peravallur police station with a court order.