DMK says Veeramani arrest came only after court pressure, files ECI complaint against Vijay

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Saturday alleged that the arrest of Veeramani, owner of 'Gem Granites', in a sexual assault case involving children came only after the jurisdictional court took serious note of the matter and the judge expressed displeasure.

Speaking to the press, DMK Rajya Sabha member Constantine Ravindran said the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government had attempted to shield the accused on four occasions by claiming there was no prima facie case. He said the arrest was effected on August 27, two days after the court recorded its displeasure on August 25.

"He was arrested because of the pressure and direction from the court and not to get justice for the children," Mr. Ravindran claimed, adding that videos showing TVK leaders with Mr. Veeramani suggested an effort to protect him and his family.

Mr. Ravindran said he had filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking action against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for linking the DMK to the case during the byelection campaign in Madurantakam (SC).

Asked why the previous DMK government had not acted against Mr. Veeramani, the MP said a complaint was filed in October 2025 and that the government had to weigh all aspects, since a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cannot be pursued in the same manner as other offences. He said the DMK government took action in February 2026 after considering the facts, but by then it was an interim administration as elections had been announced.

"The current government was in charge of the police department. If he is really keen on getting justice, Mr. Vijay could have taken action immediately after assuming office," he contended.

Mr. Ravindran also said DMK general secretary Duraimurugan had already filed a defamation case against TVK Ministers Aadhav Arjuna and Nirmal Kumar for linking the party to the case, and that the court had directed that unsubstantiated allegations without prima facie evidence could not be used in an election campaign. He accused Mr. Vijay of levelling similar allegations in disregard of the court's direction and the ECI's rules, calling it highly condemnable and demanding immediate action.

The DMK, he added, had also brought to the Election Commission's notice the alleged use of government vehicles for campaigning and the use of children in the campaign.