Tamil Nadu police oppose bail for Veeramani aides in minor girls' sexual abuse case
The Tamil Nadu Police has vehemently opposed the bail applications filed by Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan – two associates of Gem Granites founder R Veeramani – in the case involving alleged sexual offences against minor girls. The police have argued that their release could affect the investigation.
In their counter-affidavits before the Chennai POCSO Special Court, the police cited the possibility of evidence tampering, witness intimidation and flight risk, besides stating that key aspects of the investigation are still pending.
Shanti and Mahendra Simhan were arrested along with Veeramani in late August in connection with the case and subsequently remanded in judicial custody.
The police allege that the couple were associated with a house in Teynampet where the alleged offences took place and that they facilitated the alleged crimes and tried to destroy evidence.
A case has been registered against the duo under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act.POLICE’S COUNTER TO BAIL PLEAS
In the latest counter to the bail pleas, police have alleged that Shanti received Rs 24.63 lakh from Veeramani for destroying evidence connected with the case.
The investigators have also told the court that electronic devices seized during the probe are yet to undergo forensic examination. Police further submitted that the identities of all the minor victims have not yet been established, indicating that the investigation remains active.
The prosecution has opposed the release of both accused on the ground that their presence outside custody could affect the investigation.
Police have expressed apprehension that they could influence or threaten witnesses, intimidate alleged victims and their families, or otherwise interfere with the collection and preservation of evidence.
They have also raised the possibility that the two accused could flee abroad if released on bail.
The couple had sought bail earlier this week, questioning several aspects of the prosecution case. Their petitions pointed to the gap between the alleged 2019 incident and registration of the FIR in October 2025.
They also argued that the complainant was neither an alleged victim nor the parent or legal guardian of the alleged victims.
The petitioners maintained that the investigation had progressed substantially, that evidence had already been collected and that there was no possibility of them tampering with witnesses.
They also submitted that they were willing to comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
The case came to wider attention after a pen drive containing purported video evidence was submitted to the police in October 2025.
An earlier attempt to close the investigation was rejected by the Special POCSO Court, which directed further investigation. The subsequent probe led to the arrests of Veeramani, Shanti and Mahendra Simhan.
Police have since expanded the investigation into the alleged offences and the handling of evidence.ALL-WOMAN SIT TO PROBE CASE
The investigation has also widened with the arrest of a former Gem Granites employee, while the Tamil Nadu government has constituted a four-member, all-women Special Investigation Team to examine the case and related matters.
The SIT is headed by Additional Commissioner of Police, PC Thenmozhi and is functioning under the supervision of Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj.
The bail applications of Shanti and Mahendra Simhan are scheduled to come up before the Chennai POCSO Special Court on September 29.
The court will consider the defence submissions alongside the police objections as the investigation continues.- Ends
