Chennai Police Move to Revoke Passport of Accused in Gem Granites POCSO Case

The Greater Chennai Police have asked the Ministry of External Affairs to cancel the passport of Prakash Kanniah in connection with POCSO Act cases linked to Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani. Police sources state he is an accused for allegedly helping the main suspects avoid police action and getting involved in the money trail. Investigators are also taking steps to get an arrest warrant to help issue a Red Corner Notice, while his bank accounts holding about forty crore rupees have already been frozen. Meanwhile, a Special Investigation Team recently held an Identification Parade at Puzhal central prison for a victim to identify the accused persons.

Arrests And Look Out Circulars

R. Veeramani faces seven POCSO Act cases and one case of abetment to suicide of a minor from 2004. Veeramani, his associate Shanti, her husband Mahendra Simhan, and five others are currently arrested and kept in Puzhal Central Prison. Police recently issued a Look Out Circular against Veeramani's daughter Archana Veeramani and four others to stop them from travelling abroad.

Context

The POCSO Act is a special law in India designed to protect children from offences like sexual assault and harassment. When accused persons in serious criminal cases leave the country or try to hide money, agencies use measures like passport revocations, bank freezes, and international notices to bring them back for trial.