Chennai SIT detains granite baron Veeramani's daughter at airport in POCSO probe
Synopsis
Granite baron R. Veeramani's daughter Archana, 49, was pulled off an IndiGo flight to Singapore at Chennai airport by the SIT — a dramatic escalation in a POCSO probe that now spans 10 complainants, 7 cases, one arrested company manager, and an 84-year-old industrialist questioned in prison. The net is widening fast.
Key Takeaways
Archana Veeramani , 49 , was deplaned and detained by the SIT at Chennai International Airport on 23 October 2026 before her IndiGo flight to Singapore .
Her father, granite businessman R.
Veeramani , 84 , faces 7 POCSO cases filed by 10 girls and is also held under the Goondas Act .
Veeramani was questioned inside prison on 16 October following a court order permitting in-prison interrogation due to his advanced age.
His company manager Sakthivel was arrested by the SIT on 18 October .
Veeramani has been formally arrested in 4 of the 7 registered cases; the investigation is ongoing and no guilt has been established.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday, 23 October 2026, deplaned and detained Archana Veeramani, 49, daughter of granite businessman R. Veeramani, at Chennai International Airport minutes before her scheduled flight to Singapore was to depart at 2.20 pm. Her father, the 84-year-old industrialist, is currently facing seven POCSO cases filed by 10 minor girls, according to police.
How the Detention Unfolded
Archana was aboard an IndiGo flight bound for Singapore when SIT officers moved in, acting on intelligence inputs the team had received while monitoring the activities of suspects connected to the alleged sexual abuse probe. She was taken off the aircraft and brought in for questioning, an official confirmed. The swift airport intervention signals that the SIT is widening its net beyond the primary accused.
State of the Investigation Against R. Veeramani
The 84-year-old granite baron has been arrested in four of the seven registered cases and is also detained under the Goondas Act. A court permitted investigators to question him inside prison premises on account of his advanced age. Investigators questioned Veeramani from morning until evening on 16 October, recording his statement. That session followed an earlier three-day police custody period.
On 18 October, the SIT arrested Sakthivel, Veeramani's company manager, further expanding the circle of those being examined. Investigators subsequently obtained judicial permission for an additional two days of in-prison questioning, reflecting the scale and complexity of the probe.
Scope of the POCSO Cases
The allegations against Veeramani are being investigated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. According to police, 10 girls have lodged complaints, leading to the registration of seven separate cases. Police have disclosed the number of complainants and cases but have not released details of the statements recorded or Veeramani's specific responses. It must be noted that the registration of cases and the questioning form part of the investigative process and do not establish guilt; the allegations have yet to be adjudicated by a court.
What Happens Next
The SIT's inquiry is ongoing, with investigators continuing to examine suspects and record statements. The detention of Archana Veeramani at the airport suggests the probe is now actively tracking individuals who may be considered linked to the alleged network. Further arrests or summons cannot be ruled out as the investigation widens. The case will next hinge on whether prosecutors seek formal custody of Archana and how the court adjudicates the expanding list of accused.
Point of View
And the pace of investigation will count for little if evidentiary standards are not met at trial.
NationPress
23 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Archana Veeramani detained at Chennai airport?
Archana Veeramani, 49, was detained by the SIT at Chennai International Airport on 23 October 2026 based on intelligence inputs the team had gathered while monitoring suspects linked to the POCSO probe against her father, granite businessman R. Veeramani. She was removed from an IndiGo flight to Singapore minutes before its 2.20 pm departure.
What are the POCSO cases against R. Veeramani?
Ten girls have filed complaints of alleged sexual abuse against the 84-year-old granite businessman, resulting in the registration of seven cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Veeramani has been formally arrested in four of the seven cases and is also held under the Goondas Act. The allegations are under investigation and have not been adjudicated.
Who else has been arrested in the Veeramani POCSO case?
Sakthivel, Veeramani's company manager, was arrested by the SIT on 18 October 2026. Archana Veeramani was detained for questioning on 23 October, though her formal arrest status was not confirmed in official statements.
Why was Veeramani questioned inside prison?
A court permitted the SIT to question Veeramani inside prison premises because of his advanced age of 84. Investigators recorded his statement on 16 October following an earlier three-day police custody period, and subsequently obtained court permission for two additional days of in-prison questioning.
What is the Goondas Act and why does it apply here?
The Goondas Act is a Tamil Nadu preventive detention law that allows authorities to detain individuals deemed a threat to public order without the standard bail protections. Its invocation against Veeramani indicates authorities believe his release would pose a risk to the investigation or public safety; it is separate from and in addition to the POCSO arrests.
