SIT Seeks Additional Officers in Investigation Against Businessman Veeramani in POCSO Case
The SIT is requesting more senior officers for the ongoing POCSO investigation involving businessman R. Veeramani.
Chennai, September 27 (Daily Kiran) : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is looking to involve additional senior officials in the ongoing POCSO case against businessman R. Veeramani, chairman of the Gem Group. The SIT has requested officers of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) rank to assist in the investigation.
Sources indicate that each of the four SIT members has suggested one or two names for potential appointments. These recommendations will undergo review before any formal decisions are made, with orders expected in the coming days.
So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation is being led by Assistant Commissioner of Police P.C. Thenmozhi, who heads a team of women officers. Other team members include Joint Commissioner of Police Disha Mittal, Superintendent of Police J. Mutharasi, and Deputy Commissioner of Police V.V. Geetanjali.
This request for additional personnel comes as the police oppose bail applications for two of Veeramani’s associates who were arrested alongside him. The Chennai police informed a special POCSO court that granting bail could lead to evidence tampering, witness intimidation, or even flight from the country. The court is set to hear these bail applications on September 29.
The custody of Veeramani’s associates will expire on Sunday, after which they will be presented in court for further orders. Veeramani and his two associates were arrested on August 29, nearly 11 months after the case was registered in October 2025.
Veeramani faces allegations of sexually assaulting a minor, with the investigation being conducted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A fourth suspect, 45-year-old Ganeshan, was arrested on September 22. Police allege he possessed a video that purportedly shows Veeramani assaulting the minor but failed to report it to authorities.
The request for additional officers is crucial as the SIT continues its investigation and prepares for the next phase of the case. The police have not disclosed when the investigation will conclude or which officers might join the team. Currently, the court proceedings revolve around the custody of the two associates and their pending bail applications. Investigators have expressed concerns about the safety of evidence and witnesses. The court will consider these objections during the upcoming hearing on September 29.
