Granite Baron R. Veeramani Booked in 2004 Minor Suicide Case; POCSO Charges Added
Granite Baron R. Veeramani Booked in 2004 Minor Suicide Case; POCSO Charges Added
Octogenarian businessman R. Veeramani faces fresh POCSO charges and abetment to suicide for a 2004 minor death. Chennai Police reopen the decades-old case after new evidence emerges. #JusticeForMinors
Chennai Police have made a significant development in a decades-old case, booking prominent granite industrialist R. Veeramani, 80, on charges of abetting the suicide of a minor in 2004. This serious allegation also includes invoking provisions under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Veeramani, his associate Shanti, and other individuals.
This marks the third case filed against the octogenarian businessman.
The 2004 death, which largely remained unaddressed for years, came back into focus following a crucial message accessed by the police.
This message, reportedly sent by Shanti to Veeramani, questioned his involvement in the girl's death, prompting a renewed investigation.
A special team was immediately formed to verify the message's authenticity and identify the victim.
The victim's mother subsequently lodged a formal complaint, alleging that her daughter was sexually abused by Veeramani, leading to her suicide. She revealed that a complaint had been filed with local police at the time of the incident, but no action was taken. Investigators are now probing claims that the accused allegedly paid ₹1 lakh to the family or close relatives on two separate occasions, a claim currently undergoing verification.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), comprising senior women police officers, is expediting the investigation. Chennai City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj reviewed the progress of the case with SIT officers, emphasizing the urgency.
Charge sheets are anticipated to be filed in the designated court as early as next month.
Authorities are also scrutinizing the financial transactions of Veeramani and other suspects involved, looking into potential "proceeds of crime." In one instance, a bank balance exceeding ₹20 crore was discovered in a suspect's account, with steps already taken to freeze these funds.
The investigation aims to bring justice after nearly two decades.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-2464 0050)
