Tamil Nadu Veeramani Case: Political Row Intensifies as Remand Extended
The Veeramani POCSO case has triggered a political dispute in Tamil Nadu as questions over the earlier investigation emerge and judicial custody is extended.
A political dispute has intensified in Tamil Nadu over the handling of the POCSO case involving granite businessman R Veeramani, with the ruling side and opposition trading allegations over how the investigation was conducted under previous and present administrations.
The controversy follows reports that Chennai Police had earlier sought to drop further action in the case, but a Special POCSO Court rejected the closure report and directed that the investigation continue. The probe has since widened, with police examining the conduct of officials involved in the earlier investigation and carrying out searches linked to the case.
Veeramani was arrested on August 29 in connection with allegations of sexual abuse involving minors. The Tamil Nadu government has now constituted a four-member, all-women Special Investigation Team to investigate the case and related matters.
Meanwhile, a Chennai Special POCSO Court on September 25 extended Veeramani’s judicial custody until October 9. He was produced through video-conferencing from Puzhal prison citing security concerns.
Calls for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe have also emerged as political parties debate the handling of the case. The investigation remains ongoing, with allegations against the accused yet to be adjudicated by a court. The case has now become as much a political flashpoint as a legal investigation, with accountability questions multiplying alongside the evidence.
