CHENNAI: Shanthi, an associate of granite industrialist R Veeramani who has been arrested in connection with a POCSO case, has questioned why she was being treated as an accused after allegedly speaking about Veeramani’s conduct. In an emotional statement, she has claimed that she herself had been subjected to sexual abuse when she was a minor.
Shanthi’s claims come amid the continuing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of minor girls involving Veeramani. Veeramani, Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan have been arrested in the case, while police have expanded the investigation to examine additional evidence and possible victims.
In a video statement released before her arrest, Shanthi alleged that Veeramani had sexually abused her when she was 13 years old. She claimed that she had known him as a family friend from her childhood and that he had initially presented himself to her as a āgodfatherā. She also alleged that she had followed his instructions and helped him during periods of financial difficulty.
Shanthi further alleged that she had handed over money obtained from her father’s property to Veeramani because she believed he would help her. She claimed that she subsequently faced a threat to her life from Veeramani and his son. These allegations are part of Shanthi’s own statement and remain subject to investigation.
The case has since widened considerably. Police have questioned Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan in detail and, according to reports, put more than 200 questions to them during custodial interrogation. Investigators have also taken them to locations allegedly connected with the incidents and sought information about the people who may have been involved.
Police have seized mobile phones belonging to Veeramani, Shanthi, Mahendra Simhan and another former employee, Ganesan, and are examining call records, WhatsApp conversations and other digital material. Investigators are also looking into alleged financial transactions and possible links with other persons.
The police investigation has also identified additional alleged victims. According to reports, three more girls have submitted complaints, while investigators are examining material recovered from electronic devices, including videos and other digital evidence. The identities of alleged victims are being kept confidential in accordance with legal requirements.
Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan have denied the allegations against them and have sought bail. During an earlier bail hearing, their counsel questioned the delay in registering the case and argued that the allegations related to an incident said to have occurred years earlier. Police opposed the bail plea, stating that an alleged victim had been identified and her statement had been recorded before a magistrate.
The Chennai POCSO court has sought the police response on the bail petitions. The case remains under investigation, with police examining the allegations against all the accused as well as the circumstances surrounding the earlier handling of the complaint.