Stories
Veeramani POCSO Case Ignites Fierce Political Battle in Tamil Nadu
- •The Veeramani POCSO case has become a major political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu.
- •The ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and opposition DMK are trading allegations over the investigation's handling.
- •The political row intensifies ahead of the October 6 Madurantakam Assembly bypoll.
- •Granite businessman R Veeramani and two associates were arrested in August for alleged sexual abuse of minors.
Key Questions Answered
The case involves granite businessman and Gem Granites chairman R. Veeramani, who was arrested alongside his associates in August following allegations of sexual abuse of minors, triggering a major political row between the ruling TVK and the opposition DMK ahead of the Madurantakam Assembly bypoll.
The Tamil Nadu Police constituted a four-member all-women Special Investigation Team headed by Additional Commissioner P.C. Thenmozhi to probe the case, while the Chennai POCSO Special Court extended Veeramani's judicial custody until October 9.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Law Minister R. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the previous DMK regime deliberately shielded the accused, suppressed an initial 2024 complaint with a closure report, and allowed extra-judicial settlements and massive extortion attempts.
