Special Investigation Team Files Charges Against Granite Businessman and Police Officers in Sexual Assault Case

Chennai, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating sexual assault allegations against granite businessman Veeramani has filed a comprehensive 720-page charge sheet. This development includes allegations against seven police officers for failing to properly handle the case.

Among the accused officers are former Chennai City Police Commissioner Arun, former Additional Police Commissioner Kannan, and former Assistant Commissioner Yasmeen. The SIT has initiated a separate case against these officers, focusing on their alleged misconduct in managing the complaints against Veeramani.

The case raises significant questions about police accountability in light of multiple allegations of child sexual abuse. Veeramani, 84, was arrested under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and is currently held at Puzhal Central Jail. Eight arrests have been made in connection with this case, including a woman named Shanti, her husband Mahendra Simhan, Assistant Ganeshan, and manager Shakti Vel. The authorities have also invoked the Goonda Act against Veeramani, Shanti, and her husband.

To date, a total of eight cases have been registered against Veeramani, with seven of those falling under the POCSO Act, indicating the expanding scope of the investigation. The SIT presented the charge sheet related to the first case to the Madras High Court on Thursday. This document marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against the businessman, while investigations into the second case continue.

The charge sheet implicates the seven police officers for their alleged failure to handle the case effectively. However, it has not been established that these officers participated in the alleged sexual offenses. The case now encompasses two distinct aspects: the sexual assault allegations against Veeramani and the purported failures of the police officers involved.