Chennai: Minister Nirmal Kumar has questioned who allowed Veeramani, an 84-year-old granite businessman linked to a sexual assault case, to evade action earlier, and alleged that DMK leader M.K. Stalin was aware of it.
Veeramani, described as a well-known Chennai-based granite industrialist and head of the GEM group, was arrested in August under the POCSO Act over allegations of sexual assault of minor girls. Police are currently questioning him in custody.
Amid the developments, Chief Minister Vijay has instructed Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj that no accused should escape, and a new team has been formed to conduct the investigation.
Referring to the case, Nirmal Kumar said video evidence was available and asked why action was not taken earlier. He alleged that Veeramani was known to Stalin and claimed there may have been interference, demanding answers for the lack of action when Stalin was Chief Minister.
The minister also alleged that some people may have taken money to let the accused go, and said the present government would not support anyone and that due process would follow in the Chennai case.
