Chennai, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Police have detained Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani and two associates under the Goondas Act, citing allegations of repeated criminal activity and concerns over public order.
The detention orders were issued by Greater Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj. Veeramani, 84, Shanthi, 60, and her husband Mahendra Simhan, 63, are currently in judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison in connection with cases involving the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls.
According to the Commissioner’s office, the preventive detention orders form part of police efforts to curb the activities of habitual offenders. Police said the conduct attributed to the three accused warranted action under the preventive detention law.
The Immoral Trafficking Prevention Unit arrested Veeramani on August 29, 2026, following allegations of sexual assault involving minor girls. Police subsequently arrested Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan on allegations that they had abetted him.
All three were later remanded in judicial custody.
Police subsequently registered two more cases against Veeramani based on allegations that he had driven minor girls to attempt suicide. These allegations are among the matters being examined as investigators pursue further complaints against the businessman and his associates.
According to the latest police update, four cases have so far been registered under various provisions of law. The cases are based on complaints from minor girls, their relatives and other individuals, and investigations are continuing.
Police are also examining financial transactions involving Veeramani that they described as suspicious. The police statement did not disclose the amounts involved, the nature of the transactions or whether they are connected to the allegations being investigated.
Authorities said further complaints continued to be received against Veeramani and the other accused and that the information was being verified as part of the investigation.
To facilitate the collection of information concerning affected minor girls, police have also provided a WhatsApp number, 9345319676, for people to share relevant information with investigators.
Police said they had received five useful inputs through the number so far. Officials are verifying the information and examining its relevance to the cases.
The police said both the complaints and the financial transactions remain under investigation.
The allegations against Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan have not been established in court. Their detention under the Goondas Act is a preventive measure and does not by itself amount to a finding of guilt in the criminal cases.
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