Godfather became predator: Survivor recounts abuse by Tamil Nadu granite baron

A Posco case against 84-year-old granite baron R Veeramani has widened into one of Tamil Nadu's biggest sexual abuse investigations, with multiple women who were allegedly abused when they were minors being identified and questions being raised over the handling of the original police probe.

Veeramani, chairman of GEM Group of Companies, who has been described as "Tamil Nadu's Epstein", was arrested in late August and investigators are tracing a rented house in Chennai that was allegedly used to sexually abuse minor girls.

One of the survivors, Shanthi, who later became an aide to the accused, alleged in a statement accessed by India Today TV that Veeramani began making sexual advances towards her when she was around 13 years old. She alleged that Veeramani, whom she knew as a close family friend, would visit her home under the pretext of helping her family and gradually gained her trust by presenting himself as a "godfather".

"I have know Veeramani since my childhood as a close family friend. He used to visit my house on the pretext of helping us on business fronts," Shanthi said.

"Since I was too young, around 13 years old, I was not mature enough to foresee his bad intentions. I was unknowingly becoming a victim of his vicious sexual advances," she alleged.

Shanthi said Veeramani "started acting like a godfather" to her and allegedly exploited her trust for his personal benefit while making promises about her future.

"I used to trust him 100 per cent and do everything that he had asked me to do for him, including arranging funds through my known sources for his financial needs," she said.

She further alleged that she gave Veeramani money she had received from her father's property because she trusted him.

"I had even given him the full money I got from my father's property by trusting him," Shanthi said.

She also alleged that she faced a possible threat to her life from Veeramani and his son, Sidharth Veeramani.

Shanti has also been arrested along with Veeramani, as probe agencies found her role in identifying survivors.CASE SURFACED IN OCTOBER 2025

The case first came to light in October 2025, when a pen drive containing a video showing a minor girl being sexually assaulted was handed over to police through an NGO. An FIR was subsequently registered against Veeramani.

However, the initial investigation continued for around five months before police sought to close the case, citing a lack of evidence and their inability to identify the victim. Police also pointed to gaps in the video evidence, the failure to recover the original footage and the absence of corroboration from neighbours.

The special Pocso court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation.

The court's intervention proved to be a crucial turning point. The subsequent probe identified the location where the alleged sexual assault took place and, within weeks, traced the survivor seen in the video as well as other alleged victims.MULTIPLE MINORS TARGETED

Investigations have identified more than seven women who were minors when the alleged offences took place. The alleged surviros were from economically weaker sections, according to the report.

Investigators have alleged that Shanthi helped identify girls between the ages of 12 and 16 from across Chennai. They were allegedly taken to a rented house in Teynampet, which has emerged as a key location in the investigation.

The house was allegedly used by Veeramani and two others in connection with the sexual abuse of minors. The alleged victims were reportedly given money and gifts.

Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simon have been arrested in connection with the case.ALLEGATIONS OF INVESTIGATION LAPSES

One of the key questions surrounding the case is the stark contrast between the initial and subsequent investigations.

The first probe lasted around five months and ended with police seeking closure of the case. The subsequent investigation, following a change of government, made major breakthroughs within around 40 days, including identifying the alleged crime scene, tracing the survivor seen in the video and identifying additional alleged victims.

The contrast has raised questions over whether there were investigative lapses or an attempt to delay or weaken the case.

The conduct of the earlier police team is now also under scrutiny. India Today reported that a committee is expected to examine whether there were lapses or dilatory tactics during the initial investigation.

IGP NS Renthiran Nayar has been assigned to examine the alleged money trail, financial transactions and the role of police officials, if any. Sources said transactions worth nearly Rs 70 crore may have taken place and are under scrutiny.VEERAMANI'S INFLUENCE IS UNDER SCRUTINY

Veeramani is a prominent figure in India's granite industry with an extensive institutional network.

He has headed the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry and the World Natural Stone Association. His links also extend to academia and business chambers, including initiatives associated with VIT University, Anna University and the Indo-Russian and Indo-American Chambers of Commerce.

His profile has become relevant amid questions over the handling of the original investigation and whether his influence played any role in the case.POLITICAL ALLEGATIONS OVER PROBE

The case has also triggered a political slugfest in Tamil Nadu.

TVK has questioned the handling of the case during the previous regime and alleged political influence. Tamil Nadu minister Raj Mohan questioned the CPI(M)'s position on the matter, while CPI(M) state secretary Shanmugam called for a thorough investigation into everyone connected with the case, including police officials and politicians.

DMK organisational secretary RS Bharathi, meanwhile, alleged that TVK minister Nirmal Kumar had received funds from GEM Granite. The claims are political allegations and have not been established as findings of the investigation.

Former DMK Law Minister Raghupathy told India Today that a case against Veeramani had been filed as early as 2013 but was later closed for lack of evidence. He said fresh evidence had now emerged and called for action against those responsible.

TVK spokesperson Felix Gerald defended the current government's handling of the case, saying Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had personally intervened and directed officials to ensure that no one involved was spared.advertisementCM ORDERS DETAILED PROBEAs the case gained wider attention with multiple allegations, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay took cognisance of the matter and ordered a detailed investigation. He directed the police to ensure that there were no lapses in the probe and that strict action was taken against anyone found to be involved.

The investigation is now looking beyond Veeramani to the alleged role of his accomplices, the identities of additional victims, the financial trail and the circumstances surrounding the earlier closure report.

Investigators will also seek to establish whether anyone attempted to obstruct or weaken the original probe.

The investigation will determine the full extent of the alleged offences and whether others were involved either in the alleged abuse or in the handling of the case.- EndsPublished By: Ajmal Published On: Sep 22, 2026 14:50 IST