2 hrs ago
Court Denies Bail in Tamil Nadu Child Abuse Case
A court in Chennai refused to release two people accused in a child sexual abuse case.
Police say Shanti and Mahendra Simhan helped with the alleged abuse and destruction of evidence.
Investigators also accuse Shanti of receiving money and transferring some of it to her husband.
The defence says the arrests were not handled properly and that questioning was already complete.
Prosecutors say the investigation is still at an early stage.
They also worry that the accused could influence witnesses or leave the country.
Another court refused to transfer the investigation to the CBI.
The Special Investigation Team is expected to submit an initial report on October 1.
A Chennai POCSO Special Court denied bail to Shanti and Mahendra Simhan.
Police allege the couple helped facilitate abuse and destroy evidence linked to the case.
Prosecutors cited unfinished forensic examinations, witness concerns and possible flight risks.
The defence questioned the arrests and argued that further custody was unnecessary.
The Madras High Court declined a CBI probe transfer, allowing the SIT investigation to continue.
- Who
- Shanti, Mahendra Simhan, granite proprietor R Veeramani, aide Ganeshan, police investigators and the courts are involved.
- What
- The court denied bail to Shanti and Mahendra Simhan, while the High Court declined to transfer the investigation to the CBI.
- Where
- The proceedings are taking place in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The couple were arrested on August 28; the SIT began investigating on September 25, with reports due on October 1 and a High Court hearing on October 7.
- Why
- The bail was denied because the investigation remains at an initial stage and authorities cited possible witness interference, threats and flight risks.
Authorities and Government Position
Defence and Political Critics
Whether bail should be granted
Authorities and Government Position
Prosecutors said the investigation was at an initial stage, devices still required forensic examination, and release could enable witness influence, threats or flight abroad.
Defence and Political Critics
The defence argued that the arrests were procedurally defective, the accused were not produced within 24 hours, and further custody was unnecessary after questioning.
Whether the investigation should move to the CBI
Authorities and Government Position
The High Court said the SIT should be given an opportunity because it had only begun investigating on September 25.
Defence and Political Critics
Petitioners sought a CBI probe, citing alleged lapses in the earlier investigation, police-related allegations and financial transactions.
Handling of the case
Authorities and Government Position
The TVK government said the investigation was proceeding without fear or favour, while the DMK and AIADMK alleged that the TVK government had also tried to close the case.
Defence and Political Critics
The TVK questioned why arrests were delayed, while the DMK rejected claims that its government protected Veeramani; the parties also disputed responsibility for the earlier handling of the case.
Key facts
- Bail decision
- The Chennai POCSO Special Court dismissed the bail petitions of Shanti and Mahendra Simhan.
- Arrests
- Shanti, Mahendra Simhan and Ganeshan were arrested on August 28.
- Alleged payment
- Police allege Shanti received Rs 24.63 crore to destroy evidence and transferred Rs 2 crore to Mahendra Simhan.
- Investigation status
- Electronic devices linked to alleged financial transactions were awaiting forensic examination, according to the prosecution.
- SIT investigation
- The Special Investigation Team began its probe on September 25 and is expected to submit its first report on October 1.
- CBI request
- The Madras High Court declined to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
- Next hearing
- The High Court posted the matter for further hearing on October 7.
Sources
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