Tamil Nadu forms all-women SIT to probe POCSO case against R Veeramani

The Tamil Nadu government has formed a Special Investigation Team, comprising four women police officers, to probe the POCSO case against granite businessman R Veeramani, 84. An order issued by Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal on September 24 said the SIT had been set up "in order to investigate effectively the case and related matters" involving the Gem Granites founder.

Meanwhile, the Chennai POCSO Special Court on Friday extended Veeramani's judicial custody till October 9. He has been in judicial custody since August 29, and his earlier remand period was due to end on Friday.

The SIT includes P C Thenmozhi, Additional Commissioner of Police, CCB Chennai; Disha Mittal, Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, West; J Mutharasi, Superintendent of Police; and V V Geethanjali, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women and Children. The newly formed team will work under the direct supervision of Chennai Commissioner of Police A Amalraj.

Because of security concerns, Veeramani was produced before Special Judge S Padma through video conference. After hearing the matter, the judge extended his judicial custody till October 9.

Veeramani has been accused of sexually abusing minor girls. He and three others have been arrested in the case. Following allegations of police inaction despite a complaint filed in November 2024, the government has moved two senior IPS officers, including former Chennai police commissioner A Arun, out of their posts and placed them on "compulsory wait".

The case has led to strong reactions in Tamil Nadu, with political parties and civil society groups demanding strict punishment for those accused, even as the newly formed SIT begins its investigation and Veeramani remains in judicial custody till October 9. - Ends