‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani’s daughter detained from SIT plane

R. Veeramani. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to investigate offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenders Act (POCSO) against the owner of ‘Gem Granites’ R. Veeramani arrested his daughter Archana Veeramani at the Chennai International Airport on Friday (October 23, 2026).

Minutes after Ms Archana boarded a scheduled flight to Singapore, the SIT team, assisted by the crew, got her off the plane and took the 49-year-old passenger into custody, police sources said.

The investigators, headed by the Additional Superintendent of Police, were tracking the movement of Ms. Archana and other suspects in the cases against Veeramani and his associates. Acting on a specific tip that she was heading to the airport for an international flight, the police detained her shortly before take-off, sources said.

A senior police officer said Ms Archana would be questioned about alleged cash and gold transactions between her father or his firm and others after the first child abuse complaint was lodged in November 2024.

“Archana would definitely know about the transaction as she received part of the money from the land sold to Veeramani earlier this year. It is possible that she would have more information about the illegal activities of her father and his associates,” said the officer, who did not wish to be named. Later in the day, Ms. Archana complained of restlessness due to a suspected autoimmune disorder. She was taken to a private hospital, where her condition was said to have stabilized.

Veeramani is facing seven cases under the POCSO Act and one case of aiding and abetting the suicide of a minor in 2004. The businessman, his associate Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan and five others have already been arrested and lodged in the Puzhal Central Jail.

The SIT has taken steps to issue a blue-corner notice to arrest Prakash Kanniah, who is said to have absconded and is believed to be staying in the UK. His alleged association with Veeramani, Shanti and others brought him under the police radar, police sources said.

(Help to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on State Health Line 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha Suicide Prevention Helpline 044-24640050.)

Published – 23 Oct 2026 16:44 IST