Goondas Act Invoked Against Gem Granites Owner Veeramani
Tamil Nadu police invoke the Goondas Act against Gem Granites owner R Veeramani and two others following their arrest in a POCSO case.
In a major escalation of legal action, the Chennai City Police Commissioner has invoked the stringent Goondas Act against R Veeramani, the owner of Gem Granites, along with two other individuals, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan. The preventive detention orders were issued following their arrest in connection with a high-profile POCSO case involving the sexual assault of minors.
Preventive Detention for Accused in POCSO Case
The decision to invoke the Goondas Act comes as the investigation into the alleged sexual offences against minors continues to gain momentum. The three accused—Veeramani, Shanthi, and Mahendra Simhan—are currently in judicial custody. The case, which has sent shockwaves through the state, is being handled by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Tamil Nadu Police to ensure a thorough probe into the allegations and the complaints received.
The investigation gained significant traction after a USB drive was discovered, which allegedly contained video footage of a minor girl being sexually assaulted at a guest house located in Teynampet. This discovery led to the initial arrest of the businessman and his accomplices on August 29.
Intensified Investigation and SIT Probe
As the investigation deepens, the scope of the case has expanded significantly. Key developments include:
- Expansion of Victims: Police have identified seven additional minor girls allegedly linked to the case. Their statements have been recorded before the Special POCSO Court.
- Additional Legal Provisions: Following the discovery that one survivor belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, the police have added provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to the ongoing investigation.
- Specialized Teams: The Tamil Nadu government has directed an intensified probe, leading to the formation of a special team of women police Sub-Inspectors to identify all minor girls appearing in the video and to assist victims.
Ongoing Scrutiny by Central Crime Branch
The Central Crime Branch is currently conducting a detailed examination of the earlier investigation and the specific circumstances surrounding the handling of the case. Due to his age and health concerns, Veeramani's interrogation was previously conducted inside Puzhal prison under video recording by the Anti-Vice Squad of the Central Crime Branch.
The state government has issued clear directives to the police to ensure that every individual connected to these alleged offences is identified and brought to justice. The SIT continues to probe the allegations as the legal proceedings move forward in the Special POCSO Court.