GEM Veeramani POCSO case intensifies: Former employee arrested, TVK hits out at DMK, DMK refutes coverup
The Greater Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch has arrested a former employee of GEM Granites chairman R Veeramani in connection with the POCSO investigation involving the 84-year-old businessman.
The accused, identified as Ganesan, was arrested after investigators allegedly found a video on his mobile phone that purportedly showed Veeramani involved in an obscene act with a minor girl. Ganesan had worked with Veeramani for nearly 23 years and was reportedly responsible for handling the chairman’s financial affairs. He was working with Balaji Global Enterprises at the time of his arrest.
Police have accused Ganesan of possessing the alleged footage and not informing the authorities about it. He was produced before a court and subsequently remanded in judicial custody before being taken to Puzhal Central Prison.
Investigators are now trying to establish how Ganesan obtained the video, who sent it to him and why he retained it without approaching the police. Officials are also examining digital evidence and questioning people connected to the case to determine the origin and circulation of the footage.
The development came a day after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay called Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj for a briefing on the investigation. The Chief Minister directed the police to follow every available lead, determine the complete scope of the alleged offences and ensure a comprehensive probe. He also instructed officials to protect the identities and interests of survivors and provide regular updates.
The investigation dates back to October 2025, when a pen drive containing the purported video was submitted to the Greater Chennai Police’s Anti-Vice Squad.
Police subsequently identified Veeramani as the person allegedly seen in the footage. Investigators have also alleged that a couple, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, operated a rented property in Teynampet where several minor girls were allegedly brought.
The police had initially attempted to close the case, citing difficulties in identifying or locating the girl seen in the video. A special POCSO court, however, rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation. This eventually resulted in arrests and the identification of several alleged survivors.
Eight survivors have so far given statements before a magistrate, alleging abuse by Veeramani and his associates. Since one survivor is from a Scheduled Caste community, police have also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Investigators are continuing to examine how long the alleged abuse may have continued and the number of people who may have been affected. Police have also recorded the statement of a 50-year-old woman who alleged that Veeramani made sexual advances towards her when she was 13, in 1989.
The financial angle is also under investigation. Police are examining alleged transactions linked to efforts to influence the handling of the case, including claims involving approximately Rs 70-90 crore connected with property sales. Prakash, who has been associated with Veeramani’s office, has been summoned for questioning. Police are also expected to question certain police officials and media persons. Additional Commissioner of Police (South) Narenthiran Nayar is overseeing the financial investigation.
Commissioner Amalraj has said the investigation is being carried out in accordance with the law, including measures to safeguard survivors’ identities. He has also said a chargesheet will be submitted after the inquiry is completed.
The case has also become a political issue. Ministers have questioned how the matter was handled under the previous DMK government, while DMK leaders have rejected allegations of a cover-up.
TVK minister CTR Nirmal Kumar described the case as an extremely serious incident and claimed that it had surfaced during the previous DMK administration. He alleged that the matter could not have been closed without the involvement of the then Chief Minister MK Stalin because of Veeramani’s status as a prominent businessman.
Former DMK minister Ragupathy rejected the allegations and said he had no association with Veeramani. He said the earlier police action was affected by the lack of clarity in the footage and denied any connection between Veeramani and the DMK leadership.