One More Held in Veeramani POCSO Case; Police Probe Property Sale Angle

Chennai: Tamil Nadu police have arrested another person in the ongoing POCSO investigation involving granite businessman R Veeramani, widening the probe to include the alleged possession of a video and possible financial transactions linked to a property sale.

The latest accused, identified as Ganesan, was arrested by the Crime Branch on Tuesday. Police said he had worked for Gem Granites for 23 years and was later employed by another private company, Balaji Global Enterprises. According to investigators, Ganesan allegedly had a video on his mobile phone showing Veeramani acting inappropriately with a girl and did not report it to the police.

Ganesan was produced before a court and remanded to Puzhal Central Prison, police said. Investigators are now trying to establish the source of the video, including who allegedly sent it to Ganesan and why he did not inform the authorities about it.

Police examine alleged role in property transaction

A senior police officer told Hindustan Times that Ganesan had handled some of Veeramani's financial transactions and was allegedly involved in the sale of a property on East Coast Road.

Police are examining whether the property transaction was connected to efforts to avoid arrest in the POCSO case. Another report said investigators are looking into an alleged ₹90-crore property sale on East Coast Road and related financial transactions. These aspects remain under investigation and have not been established as wrongdoing by a court.

The wider financial probe is also examining alleged money movements involving people who may have had links with Veeramani. Police have not publicly established that any such transactions were connected to the alleged sexual offences.

Veeramani and two associates arrested earlier

Veeramani, 84, along with his aides Shanthi and her husband Mahandra Simhan, was arrested on August 29 in connection with the POCSO case. Police have alleged that multiple minors from economically vulnerable backgrounds were sexually abused at a guest house in Chennai's Teynampet over a period of years. The allegations are subject to the ongoing criminal investigation and judicial process.

The case has widened after additional complaints and allegations emerged, prompting investigators to examine not only the alleged offences but also whether there were failures in the handling of earlier complaints and evidence.

Tamil Nadu police have also been conducting a separate investigation into the alleged circumstances surrounding the handling of the case. Reports have said investigators are examining whether any individuals helped suppress, delay or obstruct the probe. Such allegations remain under investigation.

Investigation continues

With Ganesan's arrest, investigators are expected to examine the digital evidence on his phone, trace the source and circulation of the video and establish the circumstances surrounding the property transaction.

Police are also expected to investigate the financial trail associated with the alleged sale and determine whether it has any connection with the wider POCSO investigation.

The arrests and allegations so far do not amount to findings of guilt. The investigation and judicial proceedings will determine the criminal liability of the individuals involved.