Chennai Police Book Gem Granites Owner Veeramani in 2004 Minor's Suicide Case

The Greater Chennai Police have booked Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani on charges of abetting the suicide of a minor in 2004, with investigators also invoking provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the octogenarian businessman, his associate Shanti and others.

The case reopened after police recently accessed a message sent by Shanti to Veeramani, in which she asked whether he recalled his involvement in the death of a girl.

A special team formed to verify the message conducted inquiries and identified the victim. Her mother subsequently lodged a complaint alleging that her daughter had been sexually abused by Veeramani and had died by suicide. She claimed that although the family approached the local police at the time, no action was taken.

According to a police officer, there is information that the accused paid ₹1 lakh to the family or their close relatives on two occasions, a claim that is being verified.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising senior women police officers is expediting the investigation, and charge sheets are expected to be filed next month in the designated court. City Police Commissioner A. Amalraj reviewed the progress of the case with SIT officers on Wednesday evening.

Investigators are also examining the financial transactions of the accused and others suspected to be involved, to check whether there is a proceeds-of-crime angle. In one instance, a bank balance of more than ₹20 crore was found in the account of a suspect, and steps were taken to freeze it, the officer said, without elaborating.

Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-2464 0050.