16 hrs ago
Minister, Former DMK Leader Clash Over Veeramani POCSO Evidence
This is a disagreement about how a child-protection case was investigated.
The case involves granite industrialist R Veeramani and several other people.
Police arrested a former company employee named Ganesan after finding a video involving a minor on his phone.
Minister R Nirmal Kumar said the video should be examined properly and that nobody should receive special treatment.
He accused the opposition DMK of trying to protect powerful people.
Former minister S Regupathy rejected that accusation.
Regupathy said the earlier government followed legal procedures and needed time to gather strong evidence.
He also said publicizing sensitive details could make the investigation harder.
The two sides therefore disagree about the evidence, the earlier investigation, and the government’s handling of the case.
Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar rejected S Regupathy’s claim that video evidence in the R Veeramani POCSO case was “shadowy” and lacked probative value.
Police arrested former Gem Granites employee Ganesan for possessing a video involving a minor and allegedly failing to report it.
Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested on August 29 and remanded to Puzhal Central Prison.
Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK of shielding influential figures and attempting to cover up the case; Regupathy denied the allegation.
Regupathy defended the earlier investigation, criticized the current government, and warned that disclosing sensitive POCSO details could harm the probe.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Minister R Nirmal Kumar, former DMK minister S Regupathy, granite industrialist R Veeramani, his associates, and former employee Ganesan are central to the report.
- What
- The two politicians disputed the quality and handling of video evidence in a POCSO case involving Veeramani and associates.
- Where
- The arrests and court proceedings took place in Tamil Nadu, with the accused lodged in Puzhal Central Prison near Chennai.
- When
- Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested on August 29; the report is dated September 22 and refers to Ganesan’s arrest as occurring earlier that day.
- Why
- Nirmal Kumar said the investigation must be transparent and accountable, while Regupathy said the earlier probe sought stronger legal evidence and criticized the disclosure of sensitive details.
Government Allegations
Regupathy’s Defense
Quality of video evidence
Government Allegations
R Nirmal Kumar rejected the description of the video as “shadowy” and questioned how S Regupathy had assessed its evidentiary value.
Regupathy’s Defense
S Regupathy maintained that the video evidence lacked sufficient clarity and probative value.
Handling of the investigation
Government Allegations
Nirmal Kumar accused the DMK of trying to shield influential figures and said the previous administration should have sought more time rather than move toward a closure report.
Regupathy’s Defense
Regupathy said police had promptly registered an FIR after receiving a complaint and delayed the investigation only to secure stronger legal evidence.
Public disclosure of case details
Government Allegations
Nirmal Kumar said the investigation should be transparent and that those responsible should not be spared.
Regupathy’s Defense
Regupathy condemned the disclosure of sensitive POCSO details, warning that it could compromise the investigation and help perpetrators escape justice.
Key facts
- Case
- A POCSO case involving R Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan.
- Recent arrest
- Former Gem Granites employee Ganesan was arrested over possession of the video and failure to report it.
- Video evidence
- Police said a video involving a minor girl was found on Ganesan’s mobile phone.
- Earlier arrests
- Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested on August 29.
- Minister’s position
- R Nirmal Kumar said there would be no political interference and that all responsible parties would be held accountable.
- Regupathy’s position
- S Regupathy called the evidence “shadowy,” denied links between the DMK and Veeramani, and defended the previous government’s actions.
- Legal custody
- Ganesan and the three earlier accused were lodged in Puzhal Central Prison following court orders.
Quotes
Tamil Nadu police
Police investigating the Veeramani POCSO case
“Questioning the quality of evidence publicly indicated a deliberate effort to suppress the investigation and shield influential figures.”
theprint.in
“Ganesan was arrested for possessing the video and for not reporting its existence to the authorities.”
theprint.in
Sources
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