Stalin Denies Shielding in Abuse Case
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has rejected allegations made by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) that the previous DMK government protected granite businessman R. Veeramani in a child sexual abuse case.
Stalin described the allegations as false and defamatory. In a statement, he said that his government had not given instructions to protect anyone accused in the case and said that ensuring justice for the minor survivors should remain the priority.
The case has received renewed attention after the Special POCSO Court refused to accept an earlier closure report filed by the police and ordered further investigation. The police had initially said they could not identify the girl seen in a video linked to the case and that there was insufficient evidence to continue the investigation.
The investigation later changed significantly. Police traced the girl shown in the video and recorded her statement before a Judicial Magistrate. According to police sources cited by The Indian Express, she identified herself and Veeramani in the video. Investigators also identified other alleged survivors as the investigation expanded.
Veeramani was arrested on August 29 along with his associates Shanthi and Mahendra Simhan. Police have alleged that the three were involved in offences against minors. These allegations remain subject to the ongoing criminal investigation and judicial proceedings.
The investigation has since widened further. The Indian Express reported that statements from at least seven survivors have been recorded before the court, while investigators are examining whether additional girls may have been affected. Police have also invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act after identifying one survivor as belonging to a Scheduled Caste community.
The original police investigation is also facing scrutiny. Authorities are examining the conduct of officers who handled the case before the Special POCSO Court ordered further investigation. The Chief Minister has ordered a review of the earlier investigation, including allegations concerning the conduct of police officials.
The controversy has now become a political issue, with the TVK government questioning the handling of the case under the previous DMK administration, while DMK leaders have rejected claims that the party or government attempted to protect Veeramani. The criminal investigation and court proceedings are continuing.