Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Veeramani Abuse Probe Expands as Police Officers Summoned
Police are investigating allegations that businessman R Veeramani sexually abused children.
The police had earlier asked to close the case, but a court said the investigation should continue.
Now, three officers who worked on the earlier investigation have been asked questions.
Police want to know whether important evidence or leads were missed.
Veeramani and three other people have been arrested in connection with the allegations.
Police have also searched several places and are studying videos, money transfers and property sales.
Another person, Prakash, is being sought for questioning after police issued a travel alert.
The allegations and any possible wrongdoing by the officers still have to be proved through the investigation and court proceedings.
The Central Crime Branch summoned Assistant Commissioner Yasmin and inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Rajalakshmi over the earlier closure recommendation.
Investigators are examining how the original complaint was assessed, what evidence was collected and whether police officers overlooked leads or weakened the probe.
A Special POCSO Court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation into allegations against Gem Granites businessman R Veeramani.
Police have arrested Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan and former employee Ganesan, while investigating alleged abuse recordings and financial transactions.
The case has expanded to searches, a Look Out Circular against Prakash and an internal inquiry into possible official influence, though no misconduct findings have been announced.
- Who
- The Central Crime Branch, three previously involved police officers, R Veeramani, three other arrested individuals and additional people connected to alleged recordings and financial transactions.
- What
- The Central Crime Branch is questioning three officers over an earlier closure report while expanding the investigation into allegations against Veeramani.
- When
- The original complaint was registered on October 7, 2025; the article says the latest searches and fourth arrest occurred this week.
- Where
- The investigation is centered in Chennai, including searches at premises on Dr Radhakrishnan Salai and in Teynampet; Ganesan was lodged in Puzhal Central Prison.
- Why
- A Special POCSO Court rejected the police closure report and ordered further investigation, prompting scrutiny of the original inquiry and possible additional evidence.
Earlier Police Closure
Court-Ordered Renewed Investigation
Whether the case had sufficient evidence
Earlier Police Closure
The earlier police team sought to close the case, citing difficulty tracing the survivor and insufficient evidence to proceed. The DMK has said police investigated available evidence but lacked sufficient material at that stage.
Court-Ordered Renewed Investigation
The court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation. Current investigators are examining whether evidence or relevant leads were overlooked.
Whether officials failed to pursue the case
Earlier Police Closure
The article does not report any finding that the three summoned officers committed misconduct, and questioning alone does not establish wrongdoing.
Court-Ordered Renewed Investigation
The Central Crime Branch is examining possible lapses, attempts to weaken the investigation and alleged efforts within the police force to protect Veeramani. No such conduct has been established.
Political responsibility
Earlier Police Closure
Ministers in the current TVK government have accused the previous DMK administration of failing to pursue the case adequately.
Court-Ordered Renewed Investigation
The DMK has rejected the accusation, saying police registered the case, conducted searches and left open the possibility of further investigation if new evidence emerged.
- Investigating agency
- Central Crime Branch
- Summoned officers
- Assistant Commissioner Yasmin and inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Rajalakshmi
- Main accused
- R Veeramani, a Gem Granites businessman
- Original complaint
- Registered on October 7, 2025, after police received a pen drive containing footage purportedly showing abuse of a minor
- Court action
- A Special POCSO Court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation
- Arrests
- Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan and former employee Ganesan have been arrested
- Additional action
- Police searched five premises and issued a Look Out Circular against Prakash after he reportedly travelled abroad