Formally known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and is located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. One of the four metropolitan cities of India, Chennai is known as the gateway to South India and is a major administrative and cultural centre.
Chennai is known for its rich historical and glorious past and remained under the clutches of the British for 300 years and later, became an important naval base. Madras flourished in trade, business, textile, banking and retail and was renamed Chennai in 1996. The anti-Hindi imposition agitations in the late 1990s marked a major shift in the political dynamics of the city.
The official language of Chennai is Tamil and the city is famous for the classical Indian dance 'Bharatanatyam'. A major centre for music, art and culture, the city was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) list for its glorious musical tradition.
One of the most visited Indian cities by foreign tourists, Chennai is well known for its beautiful temples, oldest rocks, architecture and expert craftsmanship. Often labelled as the 'healthcare capital' of India, Chennai is one of the most preferred destinations for medical tourists from across the world. Apollo Hospitals (the largest private healthcare in Asia), Shankar Nethralaya, Fortis Malar Hospital and Frontier Lifeline are some of the best hospitals in the city.
Chennai also has some renowned educational institutes such as Loyola College, IIT Madras, Asian College of Journalism, Presidency College and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Chennai's Marina Beach is the second longest urban beach in the world and the city is served by two renowned ports- Chennai Port and Ennore Port. Nagalapuram Waterfalls, Government Museum, Crocodile Park, Ashtalakshmi Temple, Thousand Lights Mosque and Valluvar Kottam are some of the popular tourist hotspots in the city.
The arrest of eighty-four-year-old industrialist R. Veeramani under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act has triggered a political controversy in Tamil Nadu. Veeramani, founder of GEM Granites, faces allegations of sexually abusing multiple minors over several years at a rented premises. Police have arrested four individuals so far, including his close aides Mahendra Simhan, Shanthi, and Ganeshan. An all-women Special Investigation Team has been formed to probe the case. Investigators are also examining financial transactions involving around seventy crore rupees and a property deal allegedly used to facilitate the crimes and suppress complaints. The case was previously dropped by police citing unclear video evidence from a whistleblower pen drive, before a special court directed a reinvestigation. The development has sparked a sharp political confrontation between the DMK and TVK over allegations of administrative inaction and cover-ups.
Tamil Nadu granite industrialist and Gem Granites founder R Veeramani faces an intensive probe under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act following his arrest over allegations of minor sexual abuse.
A political row has erupted over the Veeramani case after Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader and Chief Minister Vijay publicly questioned the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regarding its inaction during the previous regime. Addressing the issue while campaigning for the Marathakam by-poll, Vijay questioned why Veeramani was shielded despite allegations of abusing children. Aadhav Arjuna also demanded answers from the DMK regarding the delayed action. Meanwhile, an India Today report featured an account from an NGO whistleblower who stated that a pen drive containing video evidence of abuse was received anonymously on 6 October 2025 and submitted directly to the Anti-Vice Squad. The whistleblower revealed that the 20-minute footage showed the abuse of a minor girl, yet no prompt action was taken by authorities at the time. Correspondent Apoorva Jayachandran noted that scrutiny has intensified around an alleged nexus involving government and police officials who purportedly stalled investigations citing insufficient evidence.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Indian Community Welfare Organisation (ICWO) founder-secretary A. J. Hariharan detailed how his NGO blew the lid on the child sexual abuse case involving industrialist R. Veeramani. Hariharan explained that on October 6, 2025, an anonymous person delivered an envelope containing a scribbled note and a red pen drive to their office. Upon reviewing the twenty-minute footage, Hariharan stated, "it was clearly an abuse scene," showing an elderly man abusing a girl who appeared to be around twelve years old. Rejecting suggestions of purposeful masking, he noted that the poor quality video captured the assault. Citing two decades of close coordination with the Anti-Vice Squad in rescuing minors from commercial sexual exploitation, Hariharan confirmed that ICWO formally lodged a complaint with Assistant Commissioner Yasmin. He reiterated the NGO's commitment to ensuring justice while acknowledging their limited role after handing over the crucial electronic evidence to authorities.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launched a fierce counter-attack against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during a political address ahead of upcoming by-elections. Addressing sustained attacks and criticism from the principal opposition party, Vijay defended his administration's governance and welfare delivery, asserting that borrowing was undertaken exclusively for public welfare rather than corruption. Directly challenging former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK leadership over past corruption inquiries, including the Sarkaria Commission, Vijay declared that his government represents the people. He contrasted his welfare schemes—such as fare-free bus travel and power initiatives—with the DMK's governance record, underlining that the electoral contest in Tamil Nadu remains squarely between his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the DMK.
A special report and panel discussion examine key developments in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case involving Tamil Nadu granite industrialist R Veeramani, who faces allegations of sexually assaulting minors over several years.
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.
The investigation into the Tamil Nadu minor sexual abuse case has intensified as the police department summons three senior officers over the initial closure of the case. Investigators are examining whether the earlier closure report was sought under external pressure and probing the involvement of an anti-vice squad inspector. Concurrently, authorities are examining an alleged hush money trail amounting to nearly 70 crore rupees linked to a property transaction involving the accused, Veeramani. Summons have been issued to a businessman named Prakash regarding allegations that funds were transferred in an attempt to bury the case. Officials are working to trace Prakash's whereabouts while investigating who facilitated the financial transactions.
A heated debate unfolds over the Veeramani POCSO case and allegations of administrative delay and political interference in Tamil Nadu. Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) spokesperson Felix Gerald alleges that there was an 'institutional cover-up' under the previous DMK government, questioning why a closure report was initially filed and why a five-month delay occurred before fresh arrests and asset trails were uncovered. In response, political analyst Sushil Rajkumar argues that TVK leaders are politicising the sensitive case ahead of upcoming by-elections and questions the ruling party's handling of allegations against its own functionaries. Senior journalist Sandhya Ravishankar terms the issue a systemic failure within the police department rather than purely partisan politics, pointing out that crucial progress in the investigation came only after judicial intervention. The panellists examine the money trail, the role of senior police officials, and the accountability of the administration.
Frequent and unannounced power outages across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Trichy, and Tirunelveli, have triggered widespread public anger and street protests amid heatwave conditions. Chief Minister Vijay visited the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board headquarters to review power demand, distribution challenges, shortage of over 600 substations, and aging transformers requiring replacement ahead of anticipated demand surges. Meanwhile, demands have emerged for a white paper regarding peak-hour power purchases at high prices and the cancellation of renewable energy licenses, questioning measures taken to meet state power requirements.
Raids are underway at the residence and properties of granite baron R. Veeramani following allegations of sexual abuse against minors spanning several years. Investigators are probing the crime and tracking a money trail to determine if influential links or payoffs led to an earlier closure report. Along with Veeramani, his associates Mahendra Simhan, Shanti, and former employee Ganeshan have been arrested after objectionable video clips were recovered. The case has also sparked a political confrontation between the DMK and TVK over alleged delays and police lapses in the initial investigation.
A news bulletin focuses on key developments across southern states, beginning with the political controversy surrounding the Gem Granite Veeramani POCSO case in Tamil Nadu. The ruling administration and opposition spar over video evidence clarity and past police inquiries, while police arrest an associate found in possession of sensitive video files. Meanwhile, questions regarding the absence of the state industries minister during an official investment visit to London are addressed, with representatives clarifying she was recovering from a collarbone surgery. In energy updates, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister visits the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board headquarters amid growing power demand and generation shortfalls. In Karnataka, the opposition stages protests outside Vidhana Soudha against the state government, citing a finance department communication cautioning against fresh scheme announcements due to financial constraints. The bulletin also covers the murder investigation of an Indian national hailing from Kundapura whose body was discovered in Sharjah.
A political war of words has escalated between TVK and DMK over the investigation into the Gem Granites POCSO case involving R. Veeramani. TVK Minister Nirmal Kumar accused the previous DMK government of shielding the granite baron and questioned why he was not arrested earlier, asking how former Law Minister S. Raghupathy knew details regarding shadows in the video evidence. Refuting the allegations, Raghupathy asserted that the FIR was lodged within a day of the complaint, maintaining that no cases were withdrawn and that investigators were seeking further evidence. Meanwhile, the BJP criticised both parties for politicising the matter. Police have arrested Veeramani's aides, including Mahendrasimman for facilitating crimes and Ganesan for possessing abuse footage without alerting authorities, while accomplice Shanthi faces allegations of procuring minors.
This news broadcast covers key developments in the POCSO case involving Gem Granites founder R Veeramani in Chennai.
A panel discussion examines the controversial handling of the GM Veeramani POCSO case by the Chennai Police. Former IPS officer Sanjay Sahay raises sharp questions over the initial closure of the investigation, noting, 'police was in a hurry to close the case' despite the presence of digital evidence and CCTV footage. He argues that digital and forensic evidence forms the core of modern criminal investigation and asserts that investigative omissions should be penalised. Activist Vaishnavi Prasad and BJP leader Kasturi Shankar highlight institutional negligence and systemic cover-ups that delayed justice for minor victims over years. Political analyst Shalin Maria alleges political shielding and deliberate police inaction before a special POCSO court overturned the closure report to order a reinvestigation. The panel demands complete accountability from law enforcement authorities.
The investigation into the POCSO case against Gem Granites founder Veeramani has intensified following the arrest of a fourth suspect, Ganesan, a longtime aide accused of withholding video evidence of sexual assault from the police. Co-accused Shanti, who allegedly managed the house where minor girls were sexually abused and procured victims from economically weaker backgrounds, has released a video projecting herself as a victim and claiming Veeramani made advances toward her when she was a minor. Investigators led by the police are tracking an alleged 70 crore rupees financial trail to determine whether funds were used to influence earlier investigations or attempt a cover-up. The case has sparked political contention between the TVK and DMK, with former law minister Raghupathy stating the earlier case lacked sufficient evidence to proceed at the time. Further inquiries are underway into digital evidence and possible institutional links.
Chennai Police have arrested Ganesan, a former long-time employee of Gem Granites founder Veeramani, in connection with an ongoing POCSO investigation. Ganesan was taken into custody and remanded to Puzhal Central Prison for failing to report digital evidence of sexual abuse of a minor found on his mobile phone. Authorities are probing the origin of the video and investigating a suspected 70-crore-rupee money trail allegedly used to suppress the crime.
Chennai Airport has come under scrutiny following concerns regarding persistent underperformance, inadequate maintenance, and a decline in national passenger traffic rankings behind Kolkata. Issues highlighted include poor hygiene, poorly maintained restrooms, long waiting queues, baggage handling delays, and landside infrastructure challenges, with aircraft movements remaining below pre-pandemic levels. A communication addressed to the Prime Minister urges a time-bound decision to entrust the operations, management, and future development of the airport to a competitive operator rather than the Airports Authority of India. The demand seeks to improve maintenance, upgrade facilities to international standards, and address persistent passenger grievances.
The Tamil Nadu government has launched the expansion of the breakfast scheme, renamed the Perundhallaivar Kamaraj Breakfast Scheme. Previously covering primary school students from classes one to five, the initiative now extends free morning meals to middle school students in classes six to eight across government and government-aided schools. The expansion is set to benefit over 15 lakh additional students across more than 15,500 schools, with an additional allocation exceeding 200 crore rupees. The total expenditure for the overall breakfast scheme is estimated to cross 500 crore rupees. The primary objective is to ensure no student remains hungry and to encourage school attendance. The menu primarily features vegetarian South Indian dishes such as pongal, idli, vadai, and upma, with strict emphasis placed on hygiene and nutritional quality. Additionally, a proposal to introduce chicken biryani in midday meals to boost protein intake remains under consideration following hygiene and pilot testing.
