Chennai: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Against Women and Children) V V Geethanjali has sought to recuse herself from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the cases against Gem Granites chairman R Veeramani, police sources said.
Geethanjali, one of the four members of the all-women SIT constituted by DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal on September 24, conveyed her request to SIT head P C Thenmozhi and Chennai Police Commissioner A Amalraj, who is supervising the probe. The other members are DIG of Police N Disha Mittal and Superintendent of Police J Mutharasi.
In her communication, Geethanjali referred to her earlier involvement in the case after the Special POCSO Court rejected the closure report submitted by the Anti-Vice Squad (AVS) and ordered further investigation. The AVS subsequently arrested Veeramani and his two associates on August 29. The three were remanded in judicial custody.
Geethanjali had previously served in the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and was involved in handling the case during the earlier investigation. Police sources said she sought to step aside from the SIT in view of her earlier posting as DCP, CCB, when she worked directly under the supervision of then Police Commissioner A Arun.
Geethanjali has since proceeded on leave, citing personal reasons. She was not available for comment.
According to police sources, DCP Geetha, currently serving in the Kilpauk police district, is likely to replace Geethanjali on the SIT. A formal order regarding the replacement is expected to be issued by the police headquarters.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information, documents or other evidence connected to the cases to approach the SIT or share the information through WhatsApp at 9345319676. Police said the identities of informants would be kept confidential and the information received would be investigated.