Veeramani case: CPI(M) seeks suspension of police officers, demands High Court-monitored SIT probe

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CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam. File | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam

Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Friday (September 25, 2026) demanded the suspension of police officers allegedly connected with the improper handling of the POCSO Act case against Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani. He also sought a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe under the supervision of the Madras High Court.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Mr. Shanmugam said new details were emerging every day, with reports of more individuals being allegedly involved in the case. He said the issue had come to light only because of the order passed by POCSO Act Cases Special Court Judge Padma Shanmugasundaram, which had compelled the present Tamil Nadu government to take action.

Mr. Shanmugam said complaints were lodged with the police in this case in 2024 and in 2025, but they were not properly investigated. He alleged the accused had been able to continue committing the offences and that more people had become involved with the support of senior police officers.

“Neither the previous AIADMK or DMK governments nor the present TVK government has shown any interest in conducting a thorough investigation into the case,” he alleged.

Referring to senior IPS officers, including A. Arun and N. Kannan, who have been placed on the waiting list, Mr. Shanmugam said there were reasons to suspect their alleged involvement in the improper handling of the case. “If the officers continued in their respective positions, they would have an opportunity to tamper with evidence and destroy documentary evidence. All police officers allegedly involved in the case should be suspended,” he said.

Mr. Shanmugam also questioned DMK president M.K. Stalin’s statement that his party had not intervened to protect any accused involved in the case or issued any instructions on that regard while it was in power.

‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani case: Police officer M.A. Yasmin, who first handled the case, also transferred

“The issue was not whether any instruction was issued during the DMK regime to protect the accused. A complaint had been lodged and an FIR registered when the DMK was in power. Why was a proper investigation not conducted after the FIR was registered? How can such an important case be ordered for closure, citing the sole reason that a particular video was not clear? If so, who exerted political pressure in this matter?” he questioned.

Mr. Shanmugam said Mr. Stalin cannot simply distance himself from the issue and should accept moral responsibility and explain why the officers concerned had not brought the matter to his notice.

He further alleged that crores of rupees had been exchanged to cover up the offences and help the accused evade action.

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