‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani POCSO Act case: All-woman SIT to take over probe

The Police Department in Chennai transferred Assistant Commissioner of Police M.A. Yasmin, who initially handled the case involving octogenarian business magnate R. Veeramani of Gem Granites, on September 24, 2026. The shift occurred amidst growing allegations of mishandling the case related to the accused's sexual abuse of minor girls. Yasmin was serving as the ACP, Koyambedu, and was placed on 'vacancy reserve' on administrative grounds.

Meanwhile, Greater Chennai police initiated inquiries into allegations that political functionaries extorted money from Veeramani following the disclosure of the case. Congress second-line leader Ranjan Kumar claimed he had complained about the crime to the police in November 2024, stating he learned about it when Shanthi, now a co-accused, sought his assistance in mediating with Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader John Pandian regarding a dispute.

On Wednesday, Pandian alleged that Shanthi and Kumar had contacted him around two-and-a-half years ago, claiming a family dispute involving Veeramani needed resolution. They met at Taj Hotel, with Kumar suggesting they threaten Veeramani and obtain ₹20 crore. Pandian refused. The POCSO Special Court allowed the police to take Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan into custody for three days of interrogation based on information from Veeramani.

The police cautioned against sharing photographs or video clips of Veeramani with minors on social media, emphasizing it as a criminal offense under Section 23 (2) of the POCSO Act. The Central Crime Branch conducted searches in Salem at two locations related to Veeramani.