Chennai, Oct 24:
The Chennai Special POCSO Court has permitted the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to take Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani, his associate Shanti and her husband Mahendra Simhan into custody for two days for further questioning in cases involving the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls. The SIT had sought three days of custody to investigate the first case registered in connection with the allegations.
The petition was heard by Judge S. Padma. The prosecution, represented by government counsel Anita, sought custodial interrogation of four accused, including Veeramani, Shanti, Mahendra Simhan and Veeramani’s assistant Ganesan, for three days. The SIT told the court that it needed to investigate alleged financial transactions and gather further information related to the case.
The defence opposed the request, arguing that the police had already conducted an extensive investigation and that further custodial interrogation was unnecessary. Veeramani’s lawyers also expressed concern for his safety if he was taken out of prison, requesting that any further questioning be conducted inside the prison. After hearing both sides, the court granted the SIT two days of custody for Veeramani, Shanti and Mahendra Simhan.