Chennai, Sept 30:
Police have opposed the bail pleas of Shanthi and her husband Mahendra Simhan, accused in the case involving granite businessman R Veeramani, before the Special Court for POCSO Act cases in Chennai.
During the hearing, the prosecution alleged that Shanthi had received Rs.24.63 lakh from Veeramani to delete evidence connected with the case. Police also told the court that the accused could influence witnesses or threaten the minor girls and their families if released on bail.
The prosecution further argued that the accused could flee abroad if granted bail and said that the investigation was still at an initial stage. A private charitable organisation also filed an intervention petition opposing their release.
The counsel for the accused argued that the police had completed their interrogation and that there was no need for their continued custody. The defence also alleged that the accused had not been properly arrested or produced before the court within 24 hours.
After hearing both sides, Judge S Padma reserved orders on the bail petitions.
The case came to light after a pen drive containing a video clip purportedly showing an elderly man sexually assaulting a minor girl was sent to the Intelligence and Technology Police Unit in October 2025. The police later identified the man as Veeramani. The Central Crime Branch’s Anti-Vice Squad had registered a case on October 7, 2025, based on a complaint by a social activist.
The case was subsequently transferred to the ITPU. Veeramani, Mahendra Simhan and Shanthi were arrested on August 29 under provisions of the POCSO Act, IPC and Information Technology Act in connection with the alleged sexual assault of minor girls.Kavin murder case: