SIT names ADGP-rank officer in Veeramani POCSO chargesheet
- SIT filed a 720-page chargesheet against R Veeramani and two drivers.
- An ADGP-rank IPS officer is among seven police personnel named as accused.
- Madras High Court is monitoring the SIT investigation via status reports.
- The SIT was formed in September 2026 following a court-ordered fresh probe.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Tamil Nadu Police filed a 720-page chargesheet against Gem Granites founder R Veeramani, two drivers, and seven police officers before a special POCSO court in Chennai on 11 November 2026. The chargesheet names Veeramani as the first accused, along with his drivers Parthiban and Babu.
The SIT also named an Additional Director General of Police (ADGP)-rank officer, identified as former Chennai Commissioner of Police Arun, as an accused in the case. This filing marks a development in the ongoing investigation into the sexual assault of a minor.
Charges against Veeramani and drivers for sexual assault
The investigation cites 40 witnesses to support the allegations.
Drivers Parthiban and Babu are accused of knowingly transporting the victim to the residence of R Veeramani, where the assault occurred.
Madras High Court monitors SIT progress
The SIT informed the Madras High Court that it has filed the first chargesheet and will submit multiple additional chargesheets in the coming days. Justice V Lakshminarayanan presided over the hearing, with State Public Prosecutor John Sathyan and Additional Public Prosecutor Arun Anbumani appearing for the state.
The SIT submitted a status report to the court, which directed the registry to keep the document in a sealed cover. The court also instructed the petitioner, Varaaki, to submit any new case-related material directly to the SIT instead of waiting for court hearings.
Court rejects CBI probe request for now
The Madras High Court previously declined a request for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe filed by journalist Varaaki. The court noted that the Special Investigation Team should be given time to gather evidence.
SIT maintains media silence on sensitive details
The Special Investigation Team stated it is not holding media briefings to prevent the potential publicizing of sensitive information. This policy is intended to avoid disclosures that could arise during press questioning.
Case history from 2025 closure to fresh investigation
The initial case against granite baron R Veeramani was registered by the Anti-Vice Squad of the Central Crime Branch on 7 October 2025. This followed a child welfare volunteer providing a pen drive containing a video of an alleged sexual offence against a minor.
In February 2026, police submitted a report seeking to close the case due to a lack of evidence and difficulties in identifying the minor girl. The special POCSO court rejected this closure report in August 2026 and ordered a fresh investigation.
Following the court order, the Central Crime Branch arrested Veeramani, his associate Shanthi, and her husband, Simhan. The Central Crime Branch also questioned Assistant Commissioner MA Yasmin and Inspectors Mahesh Kumar and Rajalakshmi regarding the handling of the original investigation.
The Special Investigation Team was constituted on 24 September 2026.
Additional police officers under investigation
Unconfirmed reports suggest that additional police officials have been named in the chargesheet. An unnamed inspector is also reportedly included in the filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google