Chennai, 25 September (H.S.): The Tamil Nadu government has formed a special investigation team headed by Inspector General Thenmozhi to investigate sexual abuse allegations against Gem Granites industrialist Veeramani. Four women police officers are part of the team.

Veeramani has been arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and lodged in Puzhal prison. Shanthi and her husband, Mahendra Simhan, have also been arrested on allegations that they assisted him. Police arrested Veeramani’s associate Ganesan after allegedly finding sexually explicit videos on his mobile phone.

The case has also prompted action against officers accused of failing to investigate an earlier complaint properly. They include Yasmin, a former assistant commissioner in the anti-vice unit, and inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Rajalakshmi, who submitted a final report saying the inquiry had found no evidence. Former Central Crime Branch Additional Commissioner Kannan and former Chennai Police Commissioner Arun face action over alleged failures of supervision. Arun and Yasmin have been placed on compulsory waiting.

Separately, allegations have surfaced that police officers, political figures and intermediaries received a total of ₹70 crore to shield Veeramani. Those claims have not been established. Reports also suggest that investigators are examining a diary said to contain details of payments, but its contents have not been officially confirmed.

According to the account, Veeramani allegedly told prison officials that people who had taken money from him had nevertheless allowed him to be jailed. There has been no official confirmation of that reported remark.

The SIT is expected to examine the allegations against Veeramani, the handling of the earlier complaint and any evidence of attempts to interfere with the investigation. The accusations spanning more than two decades remain subject to investigation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman