Chennai police on Wednesday carried out searches at the residence and offices linked to businessman ‘Jem’ Veeramani, who has been arrested under the POCSO Act in a case involving sexual abuse of minors. Veeramani (85), owner of Jem Granites, is lodged in Puzhal prison.
Investigators say key evidence includes a private diary and videos allegedly connected to the abuse. Veeramani’s close associate Shanthi (61), her husband Mahendra Simhan (63) and assistant Ganesan (55) are also in custody at the same prison.
Police have expanded the probe to identify people who allegedly helped the crime and those accused of attempting to suppress the case. The investigation is also looking into claims that intermediaries and police personnel received large sums of money to “settle” the matter; two inspectors posted in Chennai are said to have received crores from Veeramani.
An individual identified as Prakash, described as the son of railway union functionary Kannaiya, is alleged to have acted as an intermediary and illegally collected money to pass on to police officers. Police have issued a lookout notice for him.
Based on questioning of Veeramani at Puzhal and information gathered so far, the Central Crime Branch searched locations including his residence on R.K. Salai, Royapettah, and offices on Lloyds Road and Cathedral Road. Police are also verifying claims that videos were shared with a few close contacts and are working to identify those recipients.
