Chennai, Sept 24:
Shanthi, a former woman assistant of Gem Granites owner R Veeramani, has alleged that her life is in danger because of Veeramani and his son. In a video statement reportedly recorded before her arrest, she also made serious allegations about her own alleged sexual abuse when she was a minor.
According to the report, Shanthi said she had known Veeramani as a family friend from her childhood and alleged that she was sexually abused when she was 13. She claimed that he gained her trust by presenting himself as a ‘godfather’ figure and that she subsequently followed his instructions.
She also alleged that she had helped him financially during difficult periods and handed over money received through her father’s property, believing that he would help her in return. She claimed that she was now facing a threat to her life from Veeramani and his son.
The report said Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simman had already been arrested by the Central Crime Branch in connection with the case involving allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls. Another assistant, Ganeshan, was also arrested, and police reportedly seized their mobile phones for cyber analysis.
According to the report, investigators are examining digital material allegedly recovered during the probe. It also reported allegations of a large sum of money having been paid in the past to suppress the case, including a claim involving Rs 70 crore. These are allegations being investigated and have not been established as facts by a court.