Fresh sexual harassment complaint against granite baron Veeramani, 8 cases under probe

In a fresh development in the investigation against Tamil Nadu granite businessman R Veeramani, another minor girl has come forward alleging sexual harassment by him, police said on Sunday. The complaint has prompted further action by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating eight cases involving allegations of sexual offences against minors.

According to police, the girl had earlier been listed as a witness in one of the cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She subsequently approached investigators and alleged that she, too, had been subjected to sexual harassment by Veeramani.

The SIT recorded her statement and initiated further action based on the allegations. Veeramani, 84, who is associated with Gem Granites, has been arrested in connection with all eight registered cases and remains in judicial custody.

𝗘𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The investigation began in October 2025 after a child rights activist submitted a pen drive containing a video allegedly showing the sexual assault of a minor girl to the Anti-Vice Squad of the Chennai Police.

A note accompanying the recording alleged that Veeramani was the person seen in the footage and that the incident had occurred at a residence associated with Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi.

Police initially sought to close the case, citing difficulties in identifying the victim. However, a Special POCSO court rejected the closure report in February 2026 and directed the authorities to conduct further investigation.

Following the court's intervention, investigators recovered the original video during searches and gathered additional evidence.

Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested in August 2026. As more complaints emerged, the investigation expanded, resulting in eight registered cases.

An all-women SIT was subsequently constituted to investigate the allegations and examine the circumstances surrounding the earlier handling of the complaints.

𝗡𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗷𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗱𝘆

Apart from Veeramani, eight other people have been arrested in connection with the cases.

Police said Shanthi has been arrested in three cases, while Lazar, a former driver associated with Veeramani, has been arrested in five cases.

Mahendra Simhan and Ganesan have been arrested in two cases each. Srinivasan, Sakthivel, Babu and Parthiban have been arrested in one case each.

All nine accused are currently lodged at Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai.

Investigators are examining the alleged roles of the accused, including claims that some employees facilitated the movement of minor girls to premises associated with Veeramani.

The allegations remain under investigation, and the criminal proceedings have yet to reach a final determination.

𝗖𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

As part of the continuing investigation, police took Lazar into custody for one day and questioned him about his alleged involvement in the offences.

Based on information obtained during the interrogation, the SIT identified and seized a white Toyota Camry allegedly used in connection with the crimes.

Investigators are examining the vehicle as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences and the involvement of other accused.

Police have also been collecting statements from complainants and witnesses while examining material recovered during searches.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝘀 𝟮 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳

Meanwhile, a Special POCSO court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to one of the victims.

The direction forms part of the judicial proceedings arising from the investigation.

Police said final reports in two of the eight registered cases are expected to be submitted before the court in the coming week.

The SIT is continuing its investigation into the remaining cases and is working towards completing the necessary legal formalities.

The latest complaint adds another dimension to the case, which has remained under scrutiny since the court rejected the initial closure report and ordered further investigation.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is progressing and that further action will be taken based on the evidence collected and the statements recorded from complainants and witnesses.