Chennai police book businessman over alleged 2004 death of minor

Greater Chennai Police have booked Gem Granites owner R. Veeramani over the alleged abetment of the suicide of a minor in 2004, police sources said. Investigators have also invoked provisions of India’s Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act against Veeramani, his associate Shanti and others, according to the supplied material.

The case came to light after police accessed a message sent by Shanti to Veeramani asking whether he remembered his involvement in the death of a girl. A special team was then formed to assess the message and identify the victim. The girl’s mother lodged a complaint alleging that her daughter had been sexually abused by Veeramani before dying by suicide.

She also said the family had approached local police at the time but that no action was taken. A police officer said investigators were verifying a claim that the accused had given ₹1 lakh to the family or close relatives on two occasions. Police are also examining financial transactions involving the accused and other people suspected of involvement.

The Special Investigation Team includes senior women police officers. Police Commissioner A. Amalraj reviewed the progress of the investigation with the team on Wednesday evening.

Investigators are examining whether suspected financial transfers could be connected to proceeds of crime. In one case, police found more than ₹20 crore in the bank account of a suspect and began steps to freeze it, the officer said without providing further details. Police expected to file charge sheets in the designated court next month.

The supplied material contains allegations under investigation and does not report any conviction or final judicial finding against the people named.