POCSO case: 15 girls now allege abuse by granite baron Veeramani in Chennai
Synopsis
The POCSO case against GEM Granites owner R. Veeramani has grown to 15 complainants after three more minor girls approached Chennai's all-women SIT. With a court already blocking one closure bid, a Chief Minister calling for accountability, and political blame flying over alleged suppression, this case has moved well beyond a single accused.
Key Takeaways
15 girls have now alleged sexual abuse by GEM Granites owner R.
Veeramani , after three new complainants approached the SIT on 26 September 2026 .
Veeramani , 85 , is lodged at Puzhal prison, Chennai , arrested under the POCSO Act .
Co-accused Shanthi , 61 , and Mahendra Simman , 63 , have also been arrested.
Investigators are examining allegations that videos of Veeramani with minors were used in an attempt to extort crores of rupees .
A special court rejected an earlier police bid to close the POCSO case and ordered further enquiry.
Joseph Vijay has called for action against anyone found to have delayed or suppressed the case.
Three more minor girls have approached the all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual abuse allegations against GEM Granites owner R. Veeramani, pushing the total number of complainants to 15 in the widening Chennai case. The development, reported on 26 September 2026, underscores the expanding scope of a POCSO investigation that has already drawn political controversy and questions about earlier attempts to shut it down.
The Accused and Their Custody Status
Veeramani, aged 85, is currently lodged at Chennai's Puzhal prison following his arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Two co-accused — Shanthi, 61, and her husband Mahendra Simman, 63 — have also been arrested. Allegations against all three remain under active investigation.
Key Evidence Under Scrutiny
Investigators are examining allegations that videos of Veeramani with minors were recorded and subsequently used in an attempt to extort crores of rupees, according to reports. The SIT has not yet publicly confirmed the specifics of the alleged extortion, and this aspect remains a matter for determination by the investigation.
The All-Women SIT: Composition and Appeal
The SIT is headed by Thenmozhi, an Additional Commissioner in Chennai's Central Crime Branch. Its members include Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner for crimes against women and children, Superintendent of Police Mutharasi, and Deputy Commissioner Geethanjali. The team has publicly urged other women and girls who may have been affected to step forward with complaints.
Controversy Over Earlier Case Closure Bid
The renewed attention on the case stems partly from a procedural controversy: police had previously sought to close the initial POCSO investigation, but a special court rejected that move and directed further enquiry. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has since called for action against anyone found to have delayed or suppressed the case. Political opponents have accused the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of shielding Veeramani — an allegation, not an established finding. Former DMK minister S. Regupathy has denied any party connection to Veeramani and stated that those found responsible should be punished.
What Happens Next
The question of who authorised the earlier bid to close the case, and why, remains a matter for investigation. For the SIT, the immediate priority is to record the new complainants' accounts, assess available evidence, and determine whether additional offences or accused persons should be added. The identities of all complainants are being withheld, as the allegations involve sexual offences against minors.
Point of View
Not politicians to assert. Critically, a special court has already provided the key institutional check by rejecting the closure bid. The accountability question now runs in two directions simultaneously — toward the alleged perpetrator, and toward the officials who sought to end the probe.
NationPress
26 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is R. Veeramani and what is he accused of?
R. Veeramani is the 85 -year-old owner of GEM Granites , currently lodged in Chennai's Puzhal prison after his arrest under the POCSO Act . He faces allegations of sexual abuse involving girls who were minors at the time of the alleged offences; the allegations remain under investigation.
How many complainants have approached the SIT so far?
As of 26 September 2026 , 15 girls have reportedly approached the all-women SIT probing the case, after three new complainants came forward. The SIT has urged others who may have been affected to step forward.
Why was the earlier POCSO investigation almost closed?
Police had sought to close the initial POCSO investigation, but a special court rejected that move and directed further enquiry. The question of who authorised the closure bid, and why, remains under investigation.
Who is leading the SIT investigation?
The SIT is headed by Thenmozhi , an Additional Commissioner in Chennai's Central Crime Branch , and includes Disha Mittal (Joint Commissioner for crimes against women and children), Superintendent of Police Mutharasi , and Deputy Commissioner Geethanjali .
What is the political controversy surrounding the case?
Political opponents have alleged that the previous DMK government shielded Veeramani — an allegation that is not an established finding. Former DMK minister S. Regupathy has denied any party link to the accused. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has called for action against anyone who delayed or suppressed the case.
