In a significant development in the ongoing investigation against granite baron R. Veeramani, a new sexual harassment complaint has been filed involving a minor, according to police reports. This latest allegation adds to the mounting legal troubles faced by Veeramani, who is already embroiled in multiple cases concerning the sexual harassment of minors. The police confirmed that action has been initiated based on the statement of the minor, who was previously a witness in an already registered case.
Background of the Allegations Against Veeramani
The case against Veeramani dates back to October 2025, when a child rights activist submitted a pen drive to the Anti-Vice Squad. The drive contained a disturbing video that allegedly depicted a minor being sexually assaulted. Accompanying the video was a note claiming that Veeramani was the perpetrator and that the incident took place at the residence of Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi. Initially, the police attempted to file a closure report, citing difficulties in identifying the victim. However, this move was rejected by a Special POCSO court judge in February 2026, who ordered further investigation into the matter.
Following the court's directive, police conducted searches that led to the recovery of the original video. This pivotal evidence resulted in the arrest of Veeramani, along with Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, in August 2026. The gravity of the situation prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team to delve deeper into the allegations.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of now, the police have registered a total of eight cases against Veeramani concerning the sexual harassment of minors. He has been arrested in all eight cases, highlighting the severity of the charges against him. Other individuals implicated in these cases include Shanthi, who has been arrested in three cases, and Lazar, who faces charges in five cases. Mahendra Simhan and Ganesan have been arrested in two cases each, while Srinivasan, Sakthivel, Babu, and Parthiban have been implicated in one case each. All accused individuals are currently detained at the Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai.
The ongoing investigation has seen significant developments, including the police taking Lazar, the driver of the accused, into one-day custody for interrogation. This inquiry led to the identification of a white car believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes, prompting further action from the authorities.
Court Orders and Victim Support
In a related development, a POCSO court judge has directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide a relief fund of ₹2 lakh to one of the victims involved in the cases against Veeramani. This financial support is intended to assist the victim during this challenging time, reflecting the court's commitment to ensuring justice and aid for those affected by such heinous acts.
The police are expected to file final reports for two of the eight registered cases in the coming week, which could potentially lead to further legal proceedings against Veeramani and the other accused individuals. The ongoing nature of these investigations underscores the complexities involved in cases of sexual harassment, particularly those involving minors.
Community Response and Implications
The emergence of these allegations has sparked outrage within the community, particularly among child rights activists and organizations dedicated to protecting minors from abuse. The seriousness of the charges against Veeramani, a prominent figure in the granite industry, raises questions about accountability and the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Activists have called for a thorough investigation and have emphasized the importance of supporting victims who come forward with allegations of abuse. The involvement of a Special Investigation Team indicates a recognition of the need for a focused approach to such sensitive cases, ensuring that justice is served and that victims feel safe in reporting their experiences.
As the investigation unfolds, the legal proceedings against Veeramani and the other accused will be closely monitored by both the public and the media. The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching implications for the granite industry and for the broader discourse surrounding sexual harassment and child protection in India.
The situation remains fluid, and as new information emerges, it will be crucial for the authorities to maintain transparency and uphold the rights of the victims involved. The community's response will likely play a significant role in shaping the narrative surrounding these allegations and the pursuit of justice for those affected.
| Key Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Cases Registered | 8 |
| Number of Accused | 8 |
| Relief Fund Granted to Victim | ₹2 lakh |
| Date of Initial Complaint | October 2025 |
| Date of Arrest | August 2026 |
