Manager of Gem Granites owner arrested in POCSO case probe

Police have arrested the manager of Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani for allegedly helping him avoid police action through money transfers.

The Arrest And Charges

Investigators arrested the manager, Sakthivel, on Sunday. A Special Investigation Team formed to probe POCSO Act cases against Veeramani and his associates suspects Sakthivel played a key role in sending funds to individuals who helped the businessman evade the law. Police sources said Sakthivel organized money transfers and gold purchases on Veeramani's instructions, acting as the main link between the businessman and middlemen. Veeramani faces multiple charges of sexually abusing children and a case linked to abetment of suicide. Several people, including his associate Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan, are already lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. Meanwhile, the Central Crime Branch of the Greater Chennai Police registered a seventh POCSO case against Veeramani on Sunday after a minor stated she was sexually exploited at Shanti's residence. Investigators have recorded statements from 11 victims so far.

Financial Investigation

Police are also searching for N. Prakash, a former adviser to the Gem Group of Companies who is believed to be abroad. Investigators found he held a bank balance of over twenty crore rupees, largely from bank transfers originating from firms owned by Veeramani. Authorities have also established the purchase and delivery of gold worth about twenty-four crore rupees along with other cash transfers. Officers seized incriminating materials from Veeramani's residence on Lloyd's Road in Royapettah, his farmhouse in Kanathur, and a business establishment. Questioning of Sakthivel is expected to help police trace the beneficiaries of these financial transactions.

Context

Cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act involve strict legal procedures meant to safeguard minors. Police investigation teams often look into financial trails and money laundering aspects when suspects attempt to use hidden funds to evade law enforcement agencies.