Crucial evidence seized in POCSO Act case against ‘Gem Granite’ Veeramani

In a significant development in the case of alleged predatory sexual assault involving ‘Gem Granite’ owner R Veeramani, investigators are learnt to have found photographs of minor girls, including some complainants, at his house, police sources said on Tuesday. 

Acting on an input, the police conducted searches at the residence of the businessman in Chennai and found the photographs of the girl children. It included the images of some survivors who lodged complaints leading to the registration of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the sources said.

The seizure of the incriminating material further corroborated the allegations made against the octogenarian granite baron that he exploited poor girl children and subjected them to sexual abuse. The victims who lodged complaints had identified Veeramani as the man who abused them, the sources said.  

So far six cases under the POCSO Act and one abetment to suicide case have been booked against the main accused person. Though the abetment to suicide in 2004 also involved a minor girl, provisions under the Act could not be invoked since it was not in force then.

Forensic report obtained 

The sources said genuineness of videos involved in the cases was obtained from forensic experts. Since one of the videos was many years old, it was essential to refer it for forensic analysis, the sources said.

Investigation revealed that hidden cameras used to record the videos involving Veeramani and the victims were purchased  online. 

Mahendra Simhan, husband of another accused Shanti, purchased the cameras on different occasions in a popular merchandise platform, the sources said. 

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which was constituted to investigate the sensitive cases examined a few more police officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police, the sources said. 

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-2464 0050)