POCSO case: SIT probing granite baron Veeramani seeks more DSP-rank officers
Synopsis
The SIT probing granite and gems tycoon R. Veeramani for the alleged sexual assault of a minor is seeking DSP-rank reinforcements just weeks after four arrests — a sign the case is growing in complexity. With bail hearings for two associates due on 29 September and a former employee accused of concealing video evidence, the investigation is far from over.
Key Takeaways
The SIT probing the POCSO case against Gem Group chairman R.
Veeramani is seeking additional DSP-rank officers , with an order expected within days.
The all-woman SIT is led by ACP P.C.
Thenmozhi of the Central Crime Branch, Chennai .
Four people have been arrested so far; Veeramani and two associates were held on 29 August 2026 , about 11 months after the case was registered in October 2025 .
Former employee Ganesan, 45 , was arrested on 22 September 2026 for allegedly possessing but not reporting a video of the alleged assault.
Bail pleas by two associates will be heard in a special POCSO court on 29 September 2026 ; police have opposed bail citing risks to evidence and witnesses.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case against Gem Group chairman R. Veeramani is seeking additional personnel of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank, according to sources, as the investigation enters a more complex phase. The all-woman SIT, based in Chennai, is expected to receive reinforcements within days following a formal request by its members.
SIT Composition and Expansion Request
The four-member SIT is currently led by P.C. Thenmozhi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police with the Central Crime Branch. The other members are Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order, West); J. Mutharasi, Superintendent of Police and media relations officer; and V.V. Geethanjali, Deputy Commissioner of Police for crime against women and children.
According to sources, each of the four members has suggested one or two officers for inclusion. The proposed names will be reviewed before appointments are confirmed, with an official order expected within the next few days.
Arrests and Case Background
Veeramani and two associates were arrested on 29 August 2026 — nearly 11 months after the case was first registered in October 2025. The allegations against him involve the sexual assault of a minor, with the probe conducted under the POCSO Act. A total of four people have been arrested in the case so far.
The most recent arrest came on 22 September 2026, when Ganesan, 45, a former employee, was taken into custody. Police allege that Ganesan possessed a video purportedly showing Veeramani sexually assaulting a minor but failed to report the matter to authorities.
Bail Pleas and Court Proceedings
Chennai Police have opposed bail applications filed by the two associates arrested alongside Veeramani, telling a special POCSO court that releasing them could allow them to interfere with evidence, influence witnesses, or flee the country. The court is scheduled to hear the bail petitions on 29 September 2026.
The associates' police custody is set to end on Sunday, when they will be produced before the court for further orders. Investigators have stressed the need to safeguard both evidence and witnesses as proceedings progress.
What Happens Next
The SIT's expansion is seen as a signal that the investigation is widening in scope, with more complex evidence gathering and witness examination expected ahead. Police have not yet disclosed a timeline for completing their scrutiny of the proposed officer names, nor have they confirmed which individuals will ultimately join the team. All eyes now turn to the 29 September court hearing, which will determine the immediate custody status of the two associates and set the tone for the next stage of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is R. Veeramani and what is the POCSO case against him?
R. Veeramani is the chairman of Gem Group, a major granite and gems conglomerate based in Tamil Nadu. He was arrested on 29 August 2026 on allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, with the case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in October 2025.
Why is the SIT seeking more officers?
Each of the four current SIT members has recommended one or two additional officers of DSP rank, indicating the investigation is growing in scope. An official order confirming the new appointments is expected within a few days.
What happens at the 29 September court hearing?
A special POCSO court is scheduled to hear the bail applications of two associates arrested alongside Veeramani. Chennai Police have opposed bail, arguing the accused could tamper with evidence, influence witnesses, or flee the country if released.
Who is Ganesan and why was he arrested?
Ganesan, 45, a former employee of Gem Group, was arrested on 22 September 2026. Police allege he possessed a video purportedly showing Veeramani sexually assaulting a minor but did not report it to the authorities, making him an accused in the case.
How long after the case was registered were the first arrests made?
The POCSO case was registered in October 2025, but Veeramani and two associates were not arrested until 29 August 2026 — nearly 11 months later. Police have not publicly explained the delay.
