Shanthi used to locate girls; Rs 2,000 and gifts: What was happening in Poes Garden bungalow?

CHENNAI: Money, sports shoes, chocolates, and mobile phones. It was more than enough to lure victims to the luxury bungalow. All the victims were girls aged between 12 and 16. Details of the heinous crime have emerged recently from Tamil Nadu. The case, which had initially been suppressed, came to light following court intervention. The accused is R. Veeramani, an 84-year-old granite businessman.

More than ten people have filed complaints against Veeramani for subjecting numerous girls to brutal sexual abuse over the years; however, the police suspect there may be other victims yet to come forward. The Chennai police have arrested Veeramani, along with his accomplice Mahendra Simhan (64) and the latter's wife, Shanthi (60). They are currently in judicial custody.

It all began in October 2025, when footage emerged showing a 13-year-old girl being brutally assaulted by a man. Social activists and others stepped forward, identifying the perpetrator as Veeramani and a case was filed. However, Veeramani made the POCSO case disappear using 'money' power. In February, the police submitted a final report to the POCSO court, seeking to close the case because the survivor could not be located and there was insufficient evidence. The court, however, sharply criticised this move and ordered further investigation.

The special team thus entered into action, and the society was not ready to hear about details of the grotesque crimes that went unpunished for all these years.

The abuse took place under the guise of voluntary work. An associate named Shanthi used to locate girls and bring them to Veeramani. He targeted girls between the ages of 12 and 16.

Darkness inside bungalow

Children passing by would often pick up balls lying in the courtyard of Veeramani's bungalow. He would lure the children by showing them chocolates and food items, then take them to various locations to abuse them. He would provide his phone number, telling them they could contact him for any need; if the children called, he would send a driver to bring them to the bungalow. It was a regular practice to bring the girls to his own home and to a luxury bungalow in Poes Garden—an area where prominent figures reside. The victims were paid between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000, though there were instances where as much as Rs 50,000 was paid.

Politics

The incident has also sparked a political tussle in Tamil Nadu. TVK alleged that the atrocity occurred during the DMK's tenure and that the party had shielded the accused. Chief Minister Vijay maintains the stance that strict action must be taken against the perpetrators.

Two teams have been appointed to conduct the investigation. A probe into financial dealings is also underway; indications suggest that the son of a prominent trade union leader—who acted as an intermediary in the financial transactions—will soon be apprehended.