Chennai police probing the case against “Granite” Veeramani (85), who has been arrested on allegations of sexual assault of minors, have found that he allegedly paid Rs 100 crore to a real-estate businessman acting as a middleman to prevent legal action.
According to investigators from the Special Intelligence Wing, a review of Veeramani’s bank transactions showed large transfers to a realtor named Prakash, who was said to be part of Veeramani’s daughter’s close circle and aware of the allegations.
Police said Veeramani’s associate Shanti (61), along with her husband Mahendran Simhan (63), is among eight people arrested so far and lodged in Puzhal prison for allegedly aiding him. Investigators claim Shanti exploited Veeramani’s interest in minors and allegedly extorted more than Rs 50 crore, while introducing over 20 girls to him.
As the dispute escalated, Veeramani allegedly sold two properties—one in Chennai and another in Bengaluru, Karnataka—and paid Rs 100 crore to Prakash. Police said Prakash kept Rs 24 crore in his bank account, which has now been frozen.
Prakash is believed to have fled abroad, and efforts are under way to secure his arrest. Police said his detention could help establish whether and how much money was paid to any police officials.
