Three More Minor Girls Approach SIT In R Veeramani Case, Complainants Rise To 15
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Three more girls have approached the all-women Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing sexual abuse allegations against GEM Granites owner R. Veeramani, taking the reported number of complainants in the case to 15.
Veeramani, 85, is currently lodged in Chennai’s Puzhal prison after being arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Two other accused, Shanthi, 61, and her husband Mahendra Simman, 63, have also been arrested.
SIT Examines Allegations Involving Minors
The SIT is investigating allegations involving girls who were minors at the time of the alleged offences. Investigators are also examining claims that videos involving Veeramani and minors were recorded and allegedly used in an attempt to extort crores of rupees.
The allegations against all three accused remain under investigation.
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 appealed to other women and girls who may have been affected to come forward and register their complaints.
Earlier POCSO Case Closure Bid Under Scrutiny
The fresh complaints have also brought renewed attention to the earlier handling of the case.
Police had sought to close the initial POCSO investigation, but a special court rejected the move and ordered 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 alleged that the previous DMK government covered up Veeramani’s alleged offences. The allegation has not been established. Former DMK minister S. Regupathy has denied any connection between the party and Veeramani and said those responsible should face action.
The question of who authorised the earlier attempt to close the case and why remains under investigation.
SIT To Record Fresh Complaints
The immediate task before the SIT is to record the accounts of the new complainants, examine available evidence and determine whether further offences or accused persons should be added to the case.
The identities of the complainants are being withheld as the allegations involve sexual offences against minors.
