Key lead in ‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani case arrested

A key aide of Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani, who allegedly arranged money transfers to help the octogenarian businessman evade police action, has been arrested, police sources said on Sunday.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up to investigate cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO) against Veeramani and his associates, arrested Sakthivel, his manager. Investigators believe he played a key role in transferring funds to individuals who allegedly helped the businessman avoid prosecution, the sources said.

Veeramani faces multiple charges of child sexual abuse and a case related to inducing suicide. Besides Veeramani, his associate Shanti, her husband Mahendra Simhan and five others were arrested and lodged in Puzhal Central Jail.

On Sunday, the Greater Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch registered a seventh case under the POCSO Act against Veeramani based on a statement by a minor that she had been sexually abused by him. The incident took place at Shanti’s residence. So far, statements have been recorded from 11 victims, most of whom were minors when the alleged crimes took place, sources said.

The arrest of Sakthivelu is expected to shed light on the alleged transfer of large sums of cash and gold through one or more middlemen to help Veeramani evade police action. “Sakthivel organized the transfer of funds and the purchase of gold on the instructions of Veeramani. He was a key intermediary between the businessman and the middlemen who tried to help avoid police action,” said a police officer who did not wish to be quoted.

The police are also looking for N. Prakash, who is absconding and believed to be staying abroad. Investigators found that he had a bank balance in excess of ₹20 million, most of which was allegedly received through wire transfers from firms owned by Veeramani. He served as an adviser to the Gem Group of Companies, sources said. The investigators found the purchase and supply of gold worth about ₹24 crore, besides identifying other cash transfers.

The questioning of Sakthivel is expected to help trace the alleged beneficiaries of these transactions, the sources added. The SIT said in a statement that incriminating materials were seized from Veeramani’s residence on Lloyd’s Road in Royapettah, his farmhouse in Kanathur and a business establishment.

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

Published – 18 October 2026 23:00 IST