Manager Bought Gold Bars to Protect Veeramani After Sexual Abuse Arrest

Industrialist R Veeramani’s manager bought 23 gold bars to shield the 84‑year‑old businessman after he was arrested on sexual‑abuse charges. ## What Happened Shaktivel, Veeramani’s manager, arranged the purchase of 23 bars weighing a total of 23 kg between February and July, following Veeramani’s instructions. The gold came from a well‑known jeweller with outlets across Tamil Nadu. ## Investigation Shaktivel was detained on October 18 for allegedly moving cash to “influential people” in an effort to block police action. Police have not yet identified any recipients. The Special Investigation Team also seeks Prakash, a financial adviser who received most of the funds through Veeramani’s group companies. A second source says investigators are probing whether the gold and cash were used to pay high‑profile individuals for protection. The case also examines the sale of two Veeramani properties near Chennai worth ₹ 36.52 crore and ₹ 43.72 crore, which coincided with a February police closure report. Seven POCSO cases have been filed against Veeramani and eleven minor statements recorded. His drivers Lazer, Parthiban and Babu were arrested on October 5 and placed in judicial custody. Police searches at his Chennai homes, farmhouse and office recovered incriminating documents. ## Context The POCSO Act deals with crimes against children, and high‑value assets such as gold are often used in attempts to conceal illicit money in Indian corruption probes.