4 days ago
Veeramani, Associates Charged Under Goondas Act in Abuse Case
Police are investigating allegations that minor girls were sexually abused.
The main accused named in the case are R Veeramani, M Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan.
Police have used a special law called the Goondas Act against them.
Four cases have been registered so far.
Police are examining statements, digital evidence and financial records.
A WhatsApp helpline produced five useful leads.
The investigation was restarted after a court rejected an earlier closure report.
Political parties disagree about whether the earlier government failed to act.
The Madras High Court decided that the Special Investigation Team should continue the investigation.
Chennai Police invoked the Goondas Act against R Veeramani, M Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan.
Four cases have been registered following complaints from minor girls and their families.
Police are investigating five leads from a WhatsApp helpline and examining financial transactions.
The renewed investigation followed a Special POCSO Court’s rejection of an earlier closure report.
The Madras High Court kept the probe with the Special Investigation Team instead of transferring it to the CBI.
- Who
- R Veeramani, M Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan and former employee Ganesan were arrested or named in connection with the investigation; alleged survivors and their families provided complaints.
- What
- Chennai Police invoked the Goondas Act against Veeramani, Shanthi and Simhan amid a wider investigation into alleged sexual abuse of minor girls.
- Where
- The cases are being investigated by Chennai Police and a Special Investigation Team, with proceedings before the Madras High Court and a Special POCSO Court.
- When
- The three main accused were arrested in August, and the FIR was registered on October 7, 2025.
- Why
- Police say complaints, digital evidence, alleged survivor statements and related financial activity require further investigation.
DMK and Government Position
Opposition and Critics' Position
Alleged political protection
DMK and Government Position
DMK chief MK Stalin rejected the allegation that Veeramani received political protection and said anyone responsible should face maximum punishment.
Opposition and Critics' Position
TVK chief and Chief Minister Vijay accused the previous DMK government of failing to act and providing political protection to Veeramani.
Handling of the investigation
DMK and Government Position
The investigation is continuing under the Special Investigation Team, with police examining survivor statements and digital and financial evidence.
Opposition and Critics' Position
AIADMK has demanded a detailed investigation and strict action, while questions over the earlier handling led to scrutiny of senior police officials.
Probe transfer
DMK and Government Position
The Madras High Court declined to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation, allowing the Special Investigation Team to continue.
Opposition and Critics' Position
The request for a CBI investigation reflected concerns about the earlier handling of the complaint, although the court did not grant the transfer.
Key facts
- Accused facing Goondas Act
- R Veeramani, M Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan
- Cases registered
- Four cases based on complaints from minor girls and their families
- WhatsApp leads
- Five useful leads have been received and are being investigated
- Initial evidence
- A pen drive allegedly containing a video of sexual abuse of a minor girl prompted police attention
- FIR date
- October 7, 2025
- Investigation body
- A Special Investigation Team constituted by the Director General of Police
- Court decision
- The Madras High Court declined to transfer the investigation to the CBI
Quotes
MK Stalin
DMK chief responding to allegations concerning the case
“there was no protection for anyone”
NDTV
“political protection”
NDTV
Sources
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