POCSO case against industrialist Veeramani widens as cops trace multiple survivors

The investigation into the sexual offence case involving industrialist R Veeramani and two associates has widened, with police identifying multiple survivors and examining whether similar offences took place over several years, including as far back as 2003.

Investigators are also collecting further details about the survivors, several of whom are from economically weaker sections, as the probe into the case continues. Police have registered a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The case initially came to light after an anonymous person handed over a pen drive containing video footage to an office of the Greater Chennai Police on October 6, 2025. The material reportedly showed a minor girl being subjected to a sexual offence at a house in Teynampet.

Police subsequently identified the man in the footage as Veeramani, a prominent industrialist. The investigation was initially unable to establish the identity or whereabouts of the girl in the video. A Special POCSO Court later rejected a police closure report and ordered further investigation, following which the probe was reopened.

The latest investigation has now led police to identify multiple survivors. Investigators are gathering details about their backgrounds and circumstances as they examine the wider scope of the case.

Police are also probing information that points to sexual abuse dating back to 2003. The claim is part of the latest investigation and officers are working to establish the circumstances, identities of those involved and whether the offences are connected.

The investigation is also examining whether survivors from economically weaker backgrounds were specifically targeted.HOUSE IN TEYNAMPET UNDER SCANNER

According to police, Veeramani had rented a house in Teynampet and entrusted its management to his associates Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan. Investigators have said several minor girls were brought to the house and that sexual offences took place there. Police also recovered video evidence linked to one of the cases.

Searches were conducted at the residences and offices linked to the accused. Police said they recovered documents, electronic material and photographs and other belongings connected to women and minor girls.

The fresh probe followed the court's decision to reject the earlier closure report. Court records show that further investigation was ordered in June, with the investigation still pending in subsequent hearings.THREE ARRESTED IN CASE

Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan were arrested in August and produced before a court, which remanded them in judicial custody. The Central Crime Branch's Anti-Vice Squad is investigating the case. Veeramani was subsequently taken into police custody for questioning, with the court directing that he be questioned within the court premises considering his age and health condition.

The investigation is now focused on establishing the identities and statements of the survivors, examining the material seized during searches and determining whether other people were involved.

Police are also expected to examine the alleged links between the different incidents as they investigate the reported history of abuse stretching back several years.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Sep 18, 2026 18:03 IST