Chennai, September 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Three more girls have approached the all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual abuse allegations against GEM Granites owner R. Veeramani, taking the reported number of complainants in the case to 15.
Veeramani, 85, is lodged in Chennai’s Puzhal prison following his arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Two other accused, Shanthi, 61, and her husband Mahendra Simman, 63, have also been arrested. The allegations against all three remain under investigation.
Investigators are examining allegations that videos involving Veeramani and minors were recorded and allegedly used in an attempt to extort crores of rupees.
The SIT is headed by Thenmozhi, an Additional Commissioner in Chennai’s Central Crime Branch. Its other members include Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner for Crimes Against Women and Children, Superintendent of Police Mutharasi and Deputy Commissioner Geethanjali.
The team has urged other women and girls who may have been affected to come forward and register complaints.
The fresh complaints have also brought renewed attention to the earlier handling of the case. Police had sought to close the initial POCSO investigation, but a special court rejected the move and ordered further inquiry.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has since called for action against anyone found to have delayed or suppressed the case.
Political opponents have accused the previous DMK government of covering up alleged offences involving Veeramani. The allegation has not been established. Former DMK minister S. Regupathy has denied that the party had any connection with Veeramani and said those responsible should be punished.
The SIT is now examining the accounts of the new complainants and available evidence to determine whether further offences or accused persons should be added to the case.
The identities of the complainants are being withheld as the allegations involve sexual offences against minors.
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