In more trouble for Veeramani, police say girl he sexually abused in 2004 died by suicide
Source Entity
Arun Janardhanan
Granite baron R Veeramani faces new charges of abetment to suicide alongside ongoing sexual abuse allegations. Investigators are preparing to file a chargesheet after a 2004 incident involving a minor girl was uncovered.
Legal Escalation Against Granite Baron R Veeramani
The ongoing investigation into the affairs of 84-year-old granite baron R Veeramani has taken a grave turn. Authorities have recently expanded the legal scope of the case, officially booking Veeramani for the abetment of suicide linked to the death of a minor girl in 2004. This development marks a significant shift in the narrative, moving from contemporary allegations of sexual misconduct to historical criminal culpability that has remained dormant for over two decades.
The Discovery of Historical Crimes
The emergence of the 2004 suicide case was not a result of a direct confession but rather the product of meticulous forensic investigation. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered evidence of this past tragedy through digital communications between the accused and his associate, Shanthi, aged 60. A message sent by Shanthi to Veeramani, explicitly questioning his recollection of the girl's death, provided the critical link that investigators needed to connect the industrialist to this long-standing cold case.
Expanding Legal Frameworks
In response to these findings, law enforcement has invoked the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alongside the charge of abetment to suicide. The use of the POCSO Act highlights the state's commitment to addressing historical sexual violence against minors, regardless of the time elapsed. By layering these charges, the prosecution is signaling a intent to hold Veeramani accountable for a pattern of behavior that spans decades, potentially complicating his legal defense significantly as the chargesheet nears completion.
Procedural Progress and Chargesheet Timeline
According to senior police officials, the investigation into the initial POCSO case—registered in October 2025—is nearing a critical milestone. The SIT is currently finalizing the first chargesheet, with expectations that it will be filed within the next two weeks. This timeline suggests that the authorities have compiled substantial evidence to proceed to the trial phase, ensuring that the allegations are tested in a court of law rather than remaining mere subjects of police inquiry.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
This case highlights the enduring nature of justice and the efficacy of modern investigative techniques in reviving cold cases. The transition from a granite industry mogul to a defendant facing life-altering criminal charges serves as a stark reminder of the long reach of the law. As the SIT moves forward, the legal community will be watching closely to see how the court handles evidence dating back twenty years, and whether these new charges will lead to further revelations regarding Veeramani's past conduct.