Tamil Nadu Pocso case: Businessman Veeramani, aide arrested; what we know so far

Child rape: Granite baron Veeramani’s premises raided

NEW DELHI: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) has arrested Ganesan, a longtime aide of granite businessman and Gem Granites chief Veeramani, in connection with a POCSO case involving the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls.Ganesan is the fourth accused arrested in the case. Police said he had worked with Veeramani’s Gem Granites for 23 years and is currently employed with Balaji Global Enterprises.According to investigators, Ganesan had video clips on his mobile phone that purportedly showed Veeramani in an obscene act involving a minor girl. Police said he did not inform the authorities about the videos.The CCB is now investigating how Ganesan came to possess the clips and why he allegedly kept them without alerting police.

Investigators are also examining his mobile phone to determine whether any data was deleted.

What is the Veeramani case?

Veeramani was arrested on August 29 along with two alleged accomplices after the Anti-Vice Squad (AVS) registered a case over the alleged rape of minor girls. The three accused were subsequently remanded in Puzhal Central Prison.Police said the case came to light after a USB drive containing a video clip purportedly showing Veeramani sexually assaulting a juvenile girl was recovered.

Investigators identified the survivor and established that she was a minor when the alleged offence took place in 2019.The video was also examined as part of the investigation into the allegations against Veeramani.The investigation has also expanded to suspected financial transactions allegedly made to influence the earlier probe, police said.Investigators are examining bank transactions and the possible involvement of intermediaries in the movement of funds.

Case takes political turn

The ruling TVK on Wednesday demanded that DMK president MK Stalin explain how the POCSO case involving Veeramani was handled when the DMK was in power, alleging that the investigation was allowed to weaken and questioning why a final report was filed.

The TVK alleged that the case had been “buried”. The party also questioned former law minister S. Regupathy over his handling of video footage submitted in connection with the case.“Under whose pressure did the then Law Minister Regupathy allow the investigation to be weakened? What was the reason?” the TVK asked.The party also sought an explanation for the filing of the final report, alleging that it was submitted without a proper investigation.