City police widens probe in case against Veeramani

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Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The Greater Chennai Police has widened its probe in the POCSO case against Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani to examine alleged financial transactions involving police officers, political functionaries, and people in media houses, who are said to have been linked to the granite baron.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay summoned Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Amalraj and directed him to take action against those found responsible for allegedly suppressing or delaying the case. The conversation lasted about two minutes, during which the Commissioner briefed him on the developments. However, the allegations regarding the suppression of the case have not yet been established.

Sources said Mr. Vijay instructed the Commissioner to ensure that no one involved in the case was let off and directed officials to expedite the investigation and make it watertight.

The Chief Minister also sought frequent updates on the probe, and directed the police to ensure the protection of survivors and handle the case with sensitivity.

Additional Commissioner of Police (South) Narenthiran Nayar has been tasked with leading the team probing the financial transactions of Veeramani. The investigation follows the registration of a case on October 7, 2025, after a pen drive containing a video of the alleged sexual assault of a minor was submitted to the Anti-Vice Squad, and the subsequent arrest of Veeramani in August.

Sources said the accused owns substantial assets in India and abroad, and that the investigators have detected heavy financial transactions during the intervening period. The probe is examining allegations of money transfers involving police officers, influential media personalities, and political leaders.

A property on the East Coast Road was allegedly sold by the accused for ₹90 crore through the son of a prominent trade union leader. The transaction is also under investigation, sources said.

Another team headed by the Additional Commissioner of Police, Central Crime Branch, P.C. Thenmozhi, and Deputy Commissioner of Police V.V. Geethanjali is probing the alleged sexual offences.

Sources said the police were likely to seek custodial interrogation of Veeramani and his associate. A 50-year-old woman has also lodged a complaint against Veeramani.

Meanwhile, Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and C.T.R Nirmal Kumar criticised the DMK government over its alleged failure to act against Veeramani.

Mr. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the case was comparable to the Pollachi sexual assault case. He questioned how Veeramani managed to escape action when the Law and Order Department was under the direct control of then Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the previous DMK regime.

Mr. Aadhav Arjuna questioned why, during the previous DMK regime, the police allegedly attempted to close it in favour of Veeramani, despite an FIR having been registered over allegations of sexual abuse on minor girls. He demanded that Mr.