Delhi To Bihar & Jaipur: Sleeper Buses Flout Safety Norms, Block Emergency Exits

An India Today investigation brings to light crucial developments in the POCSO case involving Gem Granite Chairman R. Veeramani in Tamil Nadu. The network accessed key videos and evidence showing multiple minor victims targeted in an alleged abuse nexus operating across decades. Following court intervention by a POCSO Special Court judge after police previously sought closure, four individuals—including Veeramani, his associates Mahendra Simhan, Shanti, and Ganesan—were arrested. Fresh revelations indicate that complaints were filed as early as 2024, raising questions over alleged police inaction and political shielding. Summons have now been issued to top police officials who handled the initial probe to ascertain whether intentional attempts were made to bury the matter. The Tamil Nadu administration has asserted zero tolerance, stating that high-profile individuals and officers aiding the accused will face strict legal scrutiny.

A video showing the sexual abuse of a minor girl has emerged in the POCSO investigation involving granite baron Veeramani, triggering a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu. The footage, accessed and verified by India Today while following child protection guidelines, shows Veeramani undressed in a room with a minor girl from an underprivileged background. The development follows allegations that complaints and video evidence were submitted to the police as early as 2024, yet an earlier closure report had been initiated before being overturned by a special POCSO court judge. The probe has also resulted in the arrest of his associates, Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan, along with another individual identified as Ganesan. Political reactions have intensified, with television spokesperson American Narayanan questioning the previous administration under DMK and demanding accountability over alleged inaction, while highlighting the current state government's zero tolerance policy towards crimes against children and women.

Enforcement Directorate officials are conducting raids at the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority office in Mohali as part of a probe into allegations of money laundering, change of land use, and waiver of dues. In response, Aam Aadmi Party workers staged demonstrations outside the GMADA premises, waving black flags and shouting slogans against the central agency. Protesters alleged the central agency is being weaponised against the state government ahead of elections in Punjab. The agency's ongoing operation in the state also included searches at a government house in Sector 39 in Chandigarh and at the residence of a relative of Punjab Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, escalating political friction across the state.

Goa Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Goyal was confronted over the omission of at least 97 verified voters from the final electoral rolls. Despite local electoral registration officers clearing the affected electors following scrutiny, their names were reportedly missing from the published list due to technical issues within the Election Commission of India's centralised platform, ECINet. When questioned regarding the discrepancy and follow-up communication with authorities in Delhi, the official deflected queries, stating that he would check his records, before threatening to call security. The issue has drawn attention as opposition parties raise concerns over Special Intensive Revision procedures, Form 6 applications, and database management ahead of the upcoming Goa Assembly elections. While authorities previously cited software glitches preventing field revisions from reflecting centrally, the exclusion of cleared voters has sparked debate regarding franchise rights and administrative accountability.