Court denies bail to couple in alleged child abuse case linked to Veeramani
A special POCSO court in Chennai has rejected the bail applications of Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan, who were arrested in connection with an alleged child sexual abuse case involving granite businessman and Gem Granites proprietor R Veeramani.
The couple was arrested on August 28 along with Ganeshan, an associate of Veeramani. Investigators have alleged that Shanti and Mahendra Simhan helped facilitate and conceal alleged abuse at a property rented by Veeramani.
During the bail hearing, police alleged that Shanti received Rs 24.63 crore from Veeramani in connection with an alleged attempt to destroy evidence. Investigators further claimed that Rs 2 crore from the amount was transferred to Mahendra Simhan.
The prosecution told the court that electronic devices seized during the investigation were still awaiting forensic examination. The alleged survivors have also not yet been identified, according to the police.
Authorities opposed bail on the grounds that the accused could potentially influence witnesses or intimidate alleged survivors and their families. The possibility of the accused leaving the country was also cited by the prosecution.
Appearing before Special Judge S Padma, the defence questioned the legality of the arrests and argued that the accused had not been produced before the court within the stipulated 24-hour period.
The defence further submitted that police questioning had already taken place and argued that continued judicial custody was therefore unnecessary.
The prosecution maintained that the investigation remained at an early stage and said the accused could still be required for police interrogation during the applicable statutory period.
Judge Padma concluded that the investigation was still in its initial phase and declined to grant bail to either accused. The bail petitions were consequently dismissed.
The handling of the case has also turned into a political controversy, with parties trading allegations over the timing of the investigation and arrests.
The TVK has questioned the delay between registration of the case and the subsequent arrests. The DMK has rejected claims that its government shielded Veeramani.
Former Chief Minister MK Stalin has said that anyone found guilty should face the maximum punishment regardless of their status or influence.
The DMK and AIADMK have also levelled allegations against the TVK government, claiming that there had been an attempt to close the case. They pointed to the Special Court’s refusal to accept the police closure report, arguing that the case would otherwise have come to an end.
The TVK government has rejected those allegations and said the investigation is being conducted impartially.
The case has also led to scrutiny of senior police officials. Former Chennai Police Commissioner Arun and IPS officer Dr Kannan have reportedly been placed under compulsory wait in connection with questions over the earlier handling of the matter.
A Special Investigation Team has since been constituted to examine the case and related allegations. The SIT began its probe on September 25 and is expected to submit its first report on October 1.