Chennai, September 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Special Investigation Team probing the POCSO case against Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani has sought additional Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officers to strengthen the investigation as the probe expands.
The four-member all-woman SIT, constituted by Tamil Nadu Police on September 24, has proposed one or two names each for the additional positions, with the suggested officers’ credentials expected to be reviewed before appointments are finalised. The team is functioning under the supervision of Chennai Police Commissioner A. Amalraj.
The SIT is headed by P.C. Thenmozhi, Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch. Its other members are Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order-West; J. Mutharasi, Superintendent of Police and Media Relations Officer; and V.V. Geethanjali, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women and Children.
The request for additional manpower comes as police oppose bail pleas filed by two associates arrested along with Veeramani. Investigators have told the special POCSO court that their release could create risks to evidence and witnesses and could allow them to leave the country. The bail petitions are scheduled to be heard on September 29.
Veeramani and associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested on August 29 in connection with allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Veeramani’s judicial custody was extended by the special POCSO court until October 9 on September 25.
A fourth accused, Ganesan, 45, a former employee of Gem Granites, was arrested on September 22. Police allege that he possessed a video purportedly showing Veeramani sexually assaulting a minor but did not inform the authorities. He has been remanded in judicial custody.
The case was originally registered in October 2025. The investigation was later revived after a special POCSO court rejected an attempt to close the case and ordered further investigation. The renewed probe has since led to arrests and the identification of the girl allegedly seen in the video.
The SIT is also examining the handling of evidence and circumstances surrounding the earlier investigation. Police have not yet announced which additional officers will join the team.
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