Chennai
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is probing allegations that a POCSO case against ‘Granite’ Veeramani was improperly closed earlier, even though the complaint had surfaced during the DMK regime. Veeramani, along with his associate Shanthi (61), her husband Mahendra Simhan (63) and others, has been arrested in connection with alleged sexual violence against minor girls.
As part of the probe, the SIT has questioned senior police officials who held key posts in Chennai at the time. Statements have been recorded from Arun (then Chennai Police Commissioner and Additional DGP), Kannann and Radhika (then Additional Commissioners and IG-rank officers), and Vanitha (then Deputy Commissioner of the Women and Children Crime Prevention Wing).
Police sources said Arun was questioned about how the earlier POCSO investigation was handled. Kannann, Radhika and Vanitha were questioned on why action was not taken on the complaint despite knowledge of the alleged abuse.
The inquiry has also widened to examine alleged financial transactions involving police officials and others. Investigators are looking into documents suggesting that when the earlier case was closed, assets worth about Rs 147 crore linked to Veeramani were sold, and up to Rs 40 crore may have changed hands, police sources said.
