{
  "id": 9557192,
  "title": "As Veeramani sexual abuse probe widens, police look within, cops are summoned",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/as-veeramani-sexual-abuse-probe-widens-police-look-within-cops-are",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T13:10:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chennai/veeramani-probe-granite-businessman-pocso-case-10892507/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The probe into allegations of sexual abuse involving businessman R Veeramani has widened to scrutinize the actions of senior police officers who initially handled the case. Simultaneously, fresh searches, the arrest of a former employee, and a Look Out Circular issued against an alleged associate have added new dimensions to a case that had been previously deemed closed by Chennai police.\n\nThe Central Crime Branch has summoned an Assistant Commissioner and two inspectors who previously investigated the case, questioning whether any lapses occurred in handling the investigation. The probe is examining potential attempts by individuals within the force to influence or weaken the investigation.\n\nA senior officer overseeing the case confirmed they are tracing money transactions linked to senior police officers involved. The probe has been prompted by a revelation from a Congress leader who said he had alerted Chennai city police about Veeramani's alleged crime in November 2024, and that the former Chennai Police Commissioner was also aware of the case.\n\nAn investigation has been launched into whether there were attempts within the police force to protect Veeramani from prosecution before the case had come to light. A Look Out Circular has also been issued against Prakash, son of a senior railway union official, after his name surfaced during investigations into financial transactions related to Veeramani. Prakash was served a summons but reportedly traveled abroad, prompting police to issue a Look Out Circular against him at major airports.\n\nFurther searches have been conducted at Veeramani's office and a guest house, involving around 30 police personnel. These raids follow the initial investigation sparked by a single video, which led to multiple complainants, four arrests, and an inquiry into the potential circulation of the recordings. The case has now expanded to include allegations against individuals not initially connected to the original group of accused.\n\nA former employee of Veeramani's company, Ganesan, has been arrested after investigators discovered video footage involving Veeramani and a minor girl on his mobile phone. Ganesan was produced in court, remanded in custody, and detained in Puzhal Central Prison. The investigation is exploring how Ganesan obtained the recording, who sent it to him, and why he retained it without alerting the police. His mobile phone is also under examination to determine if any data was deleted.\n\nThe probe is also examining material seized in the case, including documents relating to Veeramani's property sales, particularly around February when police chose to close the case. The case aims to investigate not only Veeramani but also the possible suppression of allegations and the potential involvement of officials.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Hindu",
        "title": "Anbumani Ramadoss seeks speedy probe in Gem Granites Veeramani POSCO case",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/anbumani-ramadoss-seeks-speedy-probe-in-gem-granites-veeramani-posco",
        "published": "2026-09-24T10:51:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}