R. Veeramani POCSO Case: More Survivors Come Forward in Gem Granites Scandal

The legal proceedings against R. Veeramani, the chairman of Gem Group and Gem Granites, have intensified as more survivors of sexual abuse have come forward to provide statements to the police. The investigation, conducted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, has revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation targeting minor girls from families living below the poverty line.

Escalating Allegations and New Survivor Statements

According to police sources reported on September 18, 2026, investigators have found evidence that at least nine minor girls were sexually abused by the businessman "at least 9 minor girls had been sexually abused by the businessman". Following these findings, additional women who were minors at the time of the abuse have also provided statements, indicating that the scale of the exploitation may be larger than initially reported.

The case gained significant momentum after the recovery of a 2019 video showing a minor girl from a Scheduled Caste community being abused. This evidence led to the invocation of the SC/ST Act and the arrest of Veeramani along with his associates, Shanti and Mahendra Simhan. Police officials have noted that the evidence, including the video and statements from co-accused, reveals a "pedophile nature" in the accused.

Systemic Failures and Reinvestigation

The case has been marked by allegations of systemic failure and attempts to shield the accused. Reports indicate that Chennai police had previously attempted to close the POCSO probe before a reinvestigation was launched. This shift led to the recovery of original visuals of the alleged assault and the subsequent arrests of the Gem Granites founder and his associates.

The scope of the investigation is now expanding beyond the immediate POCSO charges. Police are currently exploring potential links to older, unsolved cases, including the death of a girl in 2003 and a case of abetting suicide in 2004.

Current Legal Status and Next Steps

As of late September 2026, the following legal actions are underway:

• Chargesheet Filing: Commissioner of Police A. Amalraj has instructed the special team to expedite the filing of the chargesheet.
• Custody: A Chennai court granted three-day police custody for Veeramani, who is being questioned at the Puzhal Central Prison complex due to his age.
• Victim Support: The survivor identified in the 2019 video is receiving financial assistance under an existing welfare scheme, with police maintaining strict secrecy regarding the identities and locations of all survivors.

The case continues to spark political debate in Tamil Nadu, with various parties alleging cover-ups and demanding a High Court-monitored SIT probe to uncover the entire network involved in the exploitation.