Veeramani child sex abuse: India Today accesses video at heart of Chennai horror

India Today TV has exclusively accessed footage at the centre of the child sexual abuse case against 84-year-old granite baron R Veeramani, dubbed as the “Epstein of Tamil Nadu” for sexually abusing minors. The shocking visuals, submitted to police as evidence, show Veeramani with a girl, while another screenshot captures him on a bed in a compromising position.

The footage was first given to police by Tamil Nadu Congress leader MP Ranjan Kumar, who has said he approached senior police officers after being shocked to see a man resembling Veeramani in the visuals.

Kumar claimed that he urged senior officers, including Inspector Mahesh and then Anti-Vice Squad Assistant Commissioner Yasmin, to question Veeramani and investigate the allegations. He alleged that no action was taken despite him providing the footage.

The DMK questioned the authenticity and clarity of the footage, claiming that the video was deliberately covered in shadow.

Gem Veeramani has been arrested along with his aides Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan in connection with the POCSO case. Investigators are probing the role of Veeramani's aides in the alleged offences.

Police have sought three-day custody of Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan for further interrogation. The couple was produced before the POCSO Special Court, presided over by Judge S Padma.

After hearing the matter, the court directed the police to produce both accused again on Sunday evening after completing their interrogation.

The court also allowed their lawyers to meet Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan every day during their police custody.

Meanwhile, summonses have been issued to senior police officers who were involved in the earlier investigation into the child sex abuse allegations against Veeramani.

HOW THE CASE SURFACED

The case first came to light in October 2025, when a pen drive containing footage purportedly showing a minor being sexually assaulted was handed over to Chennai Police through an NGO. An FIR was subsequently registered against Veeramani.

The initial investigation continued for around five months before police filed a closure report, citing lack of sufficient evidence and their inability to identify the girl seen in the footage. Investigators also cited gaps in the video evidence, the non-recovery of the original footage and the absence of corroboration from neighbours.

A special POCSO court rejected the closure report and ordered further investigation, marking a turning point in the case. The renewed probe eventually identified the location where the alleged abuse took place and, within weeks, traced the survivor seen in the video as well as other alleged victims.

MULTIPLE MINORS TARGETED

The expanded investigation has so far identified more than seven women who were minors when the offences took place, with investigators saying the survivors came from economically weaker sections.

Police have alleged that Shanthi, who later became an aide to Veeramani, helped identify girls aged between 12 and 16 from different parts of Chennai. The girls were taken to a rented house in Teynampet, which has emerged as a key location in the investigation.

According to the allegations being probed, Veeramani and two others used the house in connection with the sexual abuse of minors. The girls were given money and gifts.

PROBE INTO EARLIER INVESTIGATION

Veeramani, a prominent figure in India's granite industry, is the chairman of GEM Group of Companies. Investigators are now examining the rented house in Chennai that was used by Veeramani to commit the crime, along with other evidence gathered during the renewed probe.

A fresh investigation is also underway into the handling of the original case, including whether there were lapses in the earlier probe or whether anyone attempted to obstruct or weaken the investigation.

As allegations against Veeramani widened, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay took note of the matter and ordered a fresh investigation. He directed the police to ensure that there were no lapses in the probe and that strict action was taken against anyone found to have been involved.