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The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sexual assault cases against Gem Granites owner Veeramani has initiated steps to cancel the passport of businessman Prakash Kanniah, who is suspected of helping Veeramani conceal the alleged offences against minor girls.
According to the police, Prakash, who served as an adviser to the Gem group of companies, was allegedly involved in helping the accused evade police action and was also suspected of having a role in the financial transactions connected to the cases. Police suspect that he is currently in the United Kingdom. Police have approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to revoke his passport and take steps to secure him in India.
Earlier, a Look Out Circular (LOC) had been issued against him after he failed to appear for questioning. The LOCs are intended to alert authorities at airports, seaports and land borders about individuals sought by investigating agencies.
As part of the investigation, the SIT conducted searches at Prakash's office and residential premises. His bank accounts, which had a balance of about Rs 40 crore are now frozen. Investigators have obtained details of his financial transactions over the past three years, particularly between him and companies owned by Veeramani.
In another development, an identification parade was conducted at Puzhal Central Prison, allowing a survivor to identify Veeramani.
The SIT has also arrested Seenu alias Srinivasan, the security guard at Veeramani's residence, for allegedly failing to inform the authorities despite being aware that minor girls were being brought to the house. With his arrest, the total number of people arrested in the cases has risen to nine.
The eight others arrested earlier are Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan, Lazar, Ganesan, Babu, Parthiban and Sakthivel. Veeramani was arrested on August 29 by the Greater Chennai Police's Anti-Vice Squad, along with Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan and is currently lodged at the Puzhal Central Prison.
Ganesan, who allegedly possessed another video related to the case but did not inform the police, was arrested on September 22. 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 at Gem Granites, was arrested on October 18 for his alleged role in assisting Veeramani.
The police have also conducted searches at the residence of accused Ganesan in Kolathur and the dance school run by Shanthi in Neelankarai.
The SIT has also questioned Archana, Veeramani's daughter, over her father's alleged activities and financial transactions suspected to have been made to evade legal action. She was detained by the SIT at Chennai International Airport on October 23 while preparing to travel to Singapore. She was subsequently allowed to return home after being hospitalized due to an illness.
The Greater Chennai Police said that steps were under way to complete the probe and file final reports before the court.
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