The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual abuse allegations against 'Gem' granite businessman Veeramani has filed a 720-page chargesheet in the first of eight cases registered against him, with the probe now widening to hold seven police officers accountable for alleged mishandling of the matter. The chargesheet was submitted before the Madras High Court on Thursday, 13 November 2025.

Key Developments in the Chargesheet

The SIT has simultaneously registered a separate case against the seven police officers accused of lapses in dealing with complaints against Veeramani. Among those named are Arun IPS, who served as the Chennai City Police Commissioner, Kannan, who held the post of Additional Commissioner of Police in Chennai, and Assistant Commissioner Yashmin. The specific provisions invoked against each officer and the precise roles attributed to them are still under investigation, according to available information.

Investigators have been careful to note that the allegations against the officers pertain to their handling — or alleged mishandling — of the original complaints, and do not, based on currently available details, suggest participation in the alleged sexual offences themselves.

Who Has Been Arrested

Veeramani, aged 84, was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and is currently lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. In total, eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, including a woman identified as Shanthi, her husband Mahendra Simhan, assistant Ganesan, and manager Sakthivel. Authorities have also invoked the Goondas Act against Veeramani, Shanthi, and Mahendra Simhan.

Scope of the Investigation

A total of eight cases have been registered against Veeramani, of which seven fall under the POCSO Act, reflecting the widening ambit of the allegations involving sexual abuse of minors. The chargesheet filed before the Madras High Court covers only the first case; investigations into the remaining matters are ongoing.

Notably, the case now carries two distinct investigative strands: the sexual abuse allegations against Veeramani and others, and the alleged institutional failures of police personnel who were entrusted with processing the complaints at an earlier stage. This dual dimension adds a significant police accountability layer to what was already a high-profile criminal investigation in Tamil Nadu.

Background and Context

Veeramani, known in business circles through the 'Gem' granite brand, had faced complaints for a period reportedly before the SIT's formation. The delay in action on those earlier complaints is at the heart of the case against the accused police officers. The SIT's escalation of the probe to include senior officers up to the level of a city police commissioner is rare and underscores the gravity with which investigators are treating the alleged institutional lapses.

What Happens Next

With the first chargesheet now before the Madras High Court, formal trial proceedings in that case are expected to advance. The SIT's separate investigation into the seven police officers is ongoing, and further chargesheets in the remaining seven cases against Veeramani are anticipated in the weeks ahead.