Investigation Widens: Former Employee Arrested in Gem Granites Sexual Abuse Case
Chennai: The criminal investigation surrounding the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls by prominent granite businessman R. Veeramani has reached a new phase following the arrest of a former associate. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) apprehended Ganeshan, who previously spent 23 years at Gem Granites, for his alleged possession of incriminating digital evidence linked to the abuse.
According to police sources, investigators recovered a video from Ganeshan’s mobile device that purportedly depicts a man resembling Veeramani engaging in illicit acts with a minor. Officials are currently interrogating Ganeshan to determine the origins of the footage and why he failed to report the disturbing content to law enforcement when it first came into his possession.
This arrest follows the earlier detention of Veeramani along with a couple, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, who allegedly managed a Teynampet property where minors were reportedly brought for abuse. As the scope of the probe expands, at least nine survivors have come forward to provide testimony regarding incidents that allegedly occurred when they were children. Their accounts are being formally recorded before a special POCSO court, while investigators work to determine the full duration of the criminal activity.
Allegations of Financial Irregularities and Administrative Lapses
The case has also shifted toward a significant financial investigation, with authorities tracking a suspected ₹90-crore money trail. Police are auditing bank records and property transactions to ascertain if financial incentives were used to influence survivors’ families or compromise law enforcement personnel.
The intensity of the investigation has increased under the directives of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who has ordered an audit into potential delays or systemic suppression of the case since the original FIR was filed following the discovery of a pen drive last year.
Political Friction Between TVK and DMK
The ongoing legal proceedings have sparked a heated confrontation between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK. Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar has publicly challenged the previous administration, demanding to know why no action was taken against Veeramani during the DMK’s tenure despite the existence of an FIR.
“Who dictated to the former Law Minister that the evidence was unclear?” Nirmal Kumar asked, insinuating that a “power centre” within the previous government may have intervened to protect the accused.
In response, former Law Minister S. Regupathy dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. He maintained that the DMK government did not close the investigation but rather deferred it to build a more robust case, arguing that the footage provided at the time was insufficient to definitively identify the perpetrator. Regupathy further criticized the current administration for its own 25-day delay in taking action after assuming office.
Calls for Accountability
Amid the political crossfire, senior DMK leader M.K. Kanimozhi has called for an uncompromising legal process. Emphasizing the gravity of crimes against children, the MP urged authorities to ensure that both the perpetrators and their enablers are held accountable, regardless of their social standing or influence.
As the special POCSO court proceedings continue, no formal response has been issued by Veeramani’s legal counsel or his family regarding the latest evidentiary developments.
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