Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Special Team Probes Bribery Allegations in Gem Veeramani Case
Chennai police are investigating claims that bribes were paid to hide serious crimes.
The case involves industrialist R. Veeramani, also called Gem Veeramani.
Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan are also accused.
An earlier police investigation said there was not enough evidence to continue.
A special court rejected that conclusion and reopened the case.
Police later said they found the original video and other records.
They also said seven more girls had been identified as possible victims.
The new special team will examine whether police officers or others took money to interfere with the investigation.
Chennai police formed a special team to investigate alleged bribes paid to officials to suppress sexual-assault cases against industrialist R. Veeramani.
Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan face accusations in cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
An earlier police report recommended dropping the case after investigators said they could not recover original footage or identify the victim.
A special court rejected that report, and a fresh investigation later recovered alleged assault footage from Shanthi’s residence.
Police said seven additional victims were identified; they were reportedly aged 12 to 16 when the alleged crimes occurred.
- Who
- Chennai police, industrialist R. Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan, and alleged victims are involved.
- What
- A special team is investigating allegations that bribes were paid to cover up sexual-assault cases.
- When
- The first case was filed on October 6, 2025; the case was reopened in July 2026, and Veeramani was arrested on August 29.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, including Shanthi’s residence and a special court.
- Why
- The team was formed after allegations that police officials and others accepted large sums to suppress the case.
Criticism of Earlier Police Handling
Earlier Police Case Assessment
Whether the case should have continued
Criticism of Earlier Police Handling
Critics say the earlier police decision could have permanently closed the case and allege that officials accepted bribes to suppress it.
Earlier Police Case Assessment
The earlier police report recommended dropping further action, saying investigators could not recover the original recording, identify the girl, or find grounds to proceed.
Evidence in the renewed investigation
Criticism of Earlier Police Handling
The fresh investigation says original footage, mobile records and photographs were recovered, supporting further examination of the allegations.
Earlier Police Case Assessment
The earlier investigation reported that the original recording and relevant footage could not be recovered.
- Investigation authority
- Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police A. Amalraj formed the special team.
- Main accused
- Industrialist R. Veeramani, also known as Gem Veeramani, 84.
- Other accused
- Shanthi, 60, and her husband Mahendra Simhan, 63.
- First case
- Filed on October 6, 2025, following a child-rights activist’s complaint.
- Case reopening
- A special court rejected the earlier police report, and the case was reopened in July 2026.
- Additional victims
- Police said seven more minor girls had been identified.
- Reported ages
- The girls were reportedly between 12 and 16 when the alleged crimes occurred.