Chennai: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has named seven police personnel, including senior IPS officers Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) A. Arun and Inspector General of Police (IGP) A. Radhika, as accused in connection with alleged lapses during the investigation of a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act case involving Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani. The development casts a shadow on the handling of sensitive child abuse complaints by the state police force.
Probe into Alleged Lapses
The officers, who previously served in the Greater Chennai Police, have been booked under provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Specifically, they face charges related to failure to report or record information about a sexual offence against a child, disobedience of legal directions, giving false evidence, and causing the disappearance of evidence. According to reports, these charges stem from the alleged improper handling of the initial complaint against Veeramani, which reportedly led to a closure report being filed prematurely.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the SIT submitted its final report, which includes evidence from 40 witnesses, to the Special Court for POCSO Act cases on November 11, 2026. This charge sheet was filed within 46 days of the case being registered on September 27, 2026. The alleged lapses by the police officers are separate from the charges of sexual abuse levelled against R. Veeramani and his associates.
Background of the Veeramani Case
The investigation into R. Veeramani, the founder of Gem Granites, began following a complaint in November 2024 regarding the alleged sexual exploitation of minor girls. Despite the submission of screenshots and video evidence, an initial case was not registered by the Central Crime Branch. A case was later registered based on a complaint purportedly received anonymously in November 2025.
Subsequently, in February 2026, a closure report was filed in the Special Court for POCSO Act cases, citing difficulties in identifying the victim and lack of suspicious activity. However, the court refused to accept the closure report and ordered a fresh investigation. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led government, upon coming to power, initiated a renewed probe. This investigation led to the arrest of Veeramani and his associates on August 29, 2026. The SIT has also filed a separate charge sheet against Veeramani and two of his drivers for the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old Dalit girl.
POCSO Act and Investigative Challenges
The POCSO Act mandates time-bound trials, ideally completed within one year of cognizance. However, practical challenges such as witness unavailability and procedural lapses can lead to significant delays. The Indian legal framework emphasizes a sensitive and urgent approach to child sexual abuse cases, recognizing the potential for victims to be re-traumatized by prolonged legal proceedings.
Legal experts note that delays in FIR registration, inadequate investigation, and slow forensic analysis can impede justice. The Supreme Court has, on multiple occasions, highlighted the importance of meticulous investigation and adherence to due process, even in grave offences. The current case underscores the critical need for accountability within law enforcement agencies to ensure the effective implementation of child protection laws.
The Chenab Times News Desk
