Three arrested in Veeramani POCSO case in Chennai
Chennai police arrest three former employees of R Veeramani for alleged abetment in the ongoing POCSO investigation involving sexual offences against minors.
The Greater Chennai Police have taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the Gem Granites owner R Veeramani by arresting three former employees. The suspects are accused of acting as abettors in a series of grave offences investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The arrested individuals, identified as drivers Lasar, Babu, and Parthiban, had been employed by Veeramani at Gem Granites for several years. According to police reports, their arrest follows allegations that they played a role in facilitating or assisting the crimes currently being probed by a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Searches yield mobile phones and documents
Following the arrests on October 5, 2026, law enforcement officials conducted thorough searches at the residences of the three men. The raids resulted in the seizure of several pieces of evidence, including:
- 8 mobile phones
- 55 documents
These items are expected to provide further clarity on the network of individuals allegedly involved in the criminal activities.
The pen drive that triggered the probe
The massive investigation was set in motion after the recovery of a pen drive containing videos that allegedly depicted sexual offences against minors. This discovery led to the initial apprehension of the granite magnate, R Veeramani. Following the gravity of the evidence, the Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force (HoPF) of Tamil Nadu ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to spearhead the probe.
With the registration of a new case on October 2, 2026, the total number of active POCSO cases pending against Veeramani has climbed to five. Previously, four cases were already under investigation.
Escalating legal actions and SIT involvement
The investigation has grown in complexity and intensity. Earlier this month, the Chennai City Police Commissioner invoked the Goondas Act against R Veeramani and two others, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, following their arrests in connection with the POCSO allegations. The three are currently in judicial custody.
The SIT is currently examining multiple complaints and working to uncover the full extent of the crimes. Key details of the ongoing probe include:
- Video Evidence: The case initially centered on a USB drive showing a minor girl being sexually assaulted at a guest house in Teynampet.
- Additional Victims: Police have identified seven more minor girls allegedly linked to the case, and their statements have been recorded before the Special POCSO Court.
- SC/ST Act: After it was discovered that one survivor belonged to a Scheduled Caste community, the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was added to the charges.
- Specialized Units: A dedicated team of women police Sub-Inspectors has been formed to identify the minors appearing in the videos and to provide necessary assistance during the probe.
The Central Crime Branch is also reviewing earlier investigative steps and the circumstances surrounding how previous related cases were handled. The Tamil Nadu government has issued strict directives to the police to intensify the investigation and ensure that every individual connected to these offences faces legal consequences.