Investigation Widens: ‘Gem’ Veeramani Manager Arrested as Minor Abuse Case Expands
Chennai: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the shocking case of alleged sexual exploitation of minors by prominent granite industrialist ‘Gem’ Veeramani has taken a significant step forward. Authorities confirmed on Sunday the arrest of Sakthivel, a manager at Veeramani’s firm, as the net tightens around those accused of enabling the industrialist’s alleged crimes.
The development comes alongside the registration of a seventh fresh case against Veeramani, triggered by a statement provided by another minor victim. With this latest report, the total number of minor girls involved in the ongoing police investigation has reached 11.
A Growing Web of Complicity
The scandal first surfaced when the Greater Chennai Police’s Anti-Vice Squad intercepted incriminating video evidence stored on a pen drive. This crucial discovery led to the initial arrests on August 29, which included Veeramani and his two close associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan.
Since that initial breakthrough, investigators have been meticulously peeling back layers of the operation. The probe revealed a systematic approach to facilitating the exploitation of minors, leading to a series of arrests over the following weeks. In late September, Ganesan was taken into custody for allegedly concealing video evidence related to the offences. By October 5, the police had also apprehended three drivers—identified as Lazar, Parthiban, and Babu—who were allegedly tasked with transporting the victims to the locations where the abuse occurred.
According to police sources, the latest complaint indicates that the incident took place at the residence of Shanthi, a female associate of the businessman who is already a primary suspect in the case.
Scrutinizing Financial Links
The arrest of Sakthivel marks a transition from investigating the direct commission of the crimes to dismantling the network that provided logistical and financial support. Investigators are currently conducting a detailed audit of financial transactions processed through Sakthivel. Police suspect these funds were used to help Veeramani obscure his activities and evade the reach of the law.
To gather further evidence, the SIT has conducted exhaustive searches across several high-profile locations associated with the accused. These sites include Veeramani’s primary residence on Lloyds Road in Chennai, his expansive farmhouse in Kanathur, and the corporate office of Chamundeeswari Natural Stone. These raids have reportedly yielded key evidence that the prosecution intends to use to strengthen the ongoing cases.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Veeramani, who has been held in Puzhal Central Prison, was recently subjected to two days of police custody. During this period, the SIT conducted rigorous interrogations regarding the newer allegations that have surfaced in the second case registered against him.
As the investigation progresses, the SIT remains committed to identifying any other individuals involved in shielding the industrialist or facilitating the abuse. With the arrest of his manager, authorities believe they are closing in on the internal mechanisms used to sustain these criminal activities. The police have assured the public that the probe is being conducted with the utmost priority, given the gravity of the allegations involving multiple minors.
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