Chennai POCSO probe: 5 suspects barred from travel as Veeramani SIT widens net
Synopsis
The net around Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani is tightening fast: Chennai's SIT has now barred five more suspects from leaving India via Look Out Circulars, questioned his daughter at the airport, and is preparing to seek custody of Veeramani, his associate Shanti, and her husband. With eight POCSO cases registered and a 2004 suicide abetment allegation in the mix, this is shaping into one of Tamil Nadu's most expansive child-abuse prosecutions in years.
Key Takeaways
Five suspects have been barred from travelling abroad via Look Out Circulars (LOCs) issued by Greater Chennai Police .
The SIT has registered eight POCSO cases against Gem Granites owner R.
Veeramani and others, plus a separate case of alleged abetment of a minor's suicide in 2004 .
Eight accused have been arrested and are lodged in Puzhal Central Prison .
Veeramani's daughter Archana Veeramani was detained at Chennai International Airport , questioned by the SIT, then hospitalised and allowed home.
The SIT plans to seek custody of Veeramani , Shanti , and Mahendra Simhan for further interrogation before filing chargesheets.
Greater Chennai Police have issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against five suspects to prevent them from leaving India, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the POCSO cases against Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani and his associates deepens its inquiry. The move, announced on 26 October 2026, signals a significant broadening of an investigation that has already resulted in eight arrests.
Why the LOCs Were Issued
Investigators believe the five individuals barred from travelling abroad hold documents or information critical to establishing the details of the alleged offences. According to police sources, their suspected links to the cases surfaced during the ongoing inquiry into the octogenarian businessman and others. The LOCs empower immigration authorities to intercept the five at airports, seaports, and designated land crossings across India.
Scale of the Investigation
The SIT has so far registered eight cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Veeramani and others. A separate case pertains to the alleged abetment of a minor girl's suicide in 2004 — an allegation that predates the current wave of complaints by over two decades. Eight accused have been arrested in connection with the probe and are currently lodged in Puzhal Central Prison, Chennai.
Archana Veeramani Questioned, Released to Hospital
Veeramani's daughter, Archana Veeramani, was detained by SIT personnel at Chennai International Airport last Friday when she was preparing to travel abroad. She was subsequently hospitalised for an undisclosed ailment and was later allowed to return home. According to the SIT, investigators questioned Archana about her father's alleged criminal activities and financial transactions suspected to have been undertaken to evade police action.
New Complaint Adds to POCSO Tally
A fresh POCSO case has been registered against Veeramani following a complaint from a victim who alleged he had sexually abused her. His associate Shanti and another individual identified as Lazar were also named in the case. This latest complaint is counted among the eight POCSO cases registered so far.
What the SIT Plans Next
The SIT has stated it will soon seek custody of Veeramani, his associate Shanti, and Shanti's husband Mahendra Simhan for further interrogation. Investigators intend to confront them with evidence already collected and seized during the probe. The SIT has indicated that the investigation will be completed soon, with chargesheets to be filed before the designated court. The LOC restrictions are intended to ensure all five suspects remain available to investigators as the inquiry progresses.
Point of View
A fresh POCSO complaint, and the airport detention of Veeramani's daughter indicate that the SIT is pursuing a web of alleged co-conspirators rather than treating this as an isolated case. What stands out is the 2004 suicide abetment allegation — if substantiated, it would suggest the alleged abuse stretched across two decades without triggering institutional scrutiny. That question of systemic failure deserves as much investigative attention as the criminal liability of individuals. The SIT's stated timeline of completing the probe 'soon' will be tested by the number of accused and the volume of financial transactions reportedly under examination.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the POCSO cases against R. Veeramani about?
The SIT has registered eight cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani and others, relating to alleged sexual abuse of minors. A separate case concerns the alleged abetment of a minor girl's suicide in 2004.
Why were Look Out Circulars issued against five suspects?
Greater Chennai Police issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) to prevent five suspects from leaving India because investigators believe they hold documents or information relevant to the alleged offences. The circulars allow immigration authorities to intercept them at airports, seaports, and land crossings.
What happened to Archana Veeramani?
Archana Veeramani, daughter of R. Veeramani, was detained by SIT personnel at Chennai International Airport on Friday while attempting to travel abroad. She was questioned about her father's alleged criminal activities and suspected financial transactions, then hospitalised for an ailment before being allowed to return home.
How many people have been arrested so far in the Veeramani case?
Eight accused have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently lodged in Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai.
What is the SIT expected to do next in the Veeramani probe?
The SIT plans to seek custody of R. Veeramani, his associate Shanti, and Shanti's husband Mahendra Simhan for further interrogation. It intends to confront them with evidence already collected and has said chargesheets will be filed before the designated court once the investigation is complete.
