‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani case: Police officer M.A. Yasmin, who first handled the case, also transferred

Amid mounting allegations of mishandling of the case in which octogenarian business magnate R. Veeramani of Gem Granites has been accused of sexually abusing minor girls, the Police Department on Thursday (September 24, 2026) shifted out Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) M.A. Yasmin, who was among those who had initially handled the case. Ms. Yasmin, who was serving as the ACP, Koyambedu, had been placed on ‘vacancy reserve’ on administrative grounds, sources said.

Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai police have started inquiries into allegations that some political functionaries, who had come to know about the case, extorted money from the businessman.

On Wednesday, Congress second-line leader Ranjan Kumar alleged that he had complained about the crime to the police as early as in November 2024. He also claimed to have learnt about the crime when Shanthi (now arraigned as co-accused) sought his help to mediate with Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader John Pandian over a dispute.

However, on Thursday, Mr. Pandian alleged that Shanthi and Mr. Kumar had contacted him and asked him to get ₹20 crore from Mr. Veeramani.

“Kumar approached me two-and-a-half years ago, through a political functionary, claiming that a family dispute involving Mr. Veeramani had to be settled. We met at Taj Hotel. Kumar came with a woman named Shanthi. They asked me to threaten Mr. Veeramani and get the money. I told them that I would not do any such thing, and left in anger,” he said.

Custodial interrogation

In a related development, the POCSO Special Court allowed the police to take Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan into custody for interrogation for three days. The police said they needed to question them based on the information obtained from Veeramani, and ascertain how many minor girls were allegedly victimised; how long the abuse continued; and who else was involved.

A few English news channels and some users on social media shared photographs and video clips of Veeramani in the company of a girl. The police warned that the sharing of such pictures of a minor was a criminal offence under Section 23 (2) of the POCSO Act, and would warrant legal action. “Hence, it is requested not to share any such information in public. Anyone having evidence related to this case may produce it to the Greater Chennai Police,” the police said.

Searches in Salem

In Salem, a team of the Central Crime Branch conducted searches at two places linked to Veeramani. Around 10.30 a.m., the four-member team from Chennai came to a granite office at Kandampatti Butterfly Flyover. Likewise, the CCB conducted searches in a house at State Bank Colony near Five Roads for more than three hours.