Court Monitors SIT Progress in Gem Granites POCSO Case
A special court is tracking the investigation into child sexual exploitation allegations against Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani.
The Madras High Court is overseeing the Special Investigation Team's probe into child sexual exploitation allegations against Gem Granites founder R. Veeramani. State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan appeared before Justice V. Lakshminarayanan on November 12, 2026, to provide a status update on the sensitive case.
The judge adjourned connected writ petitions to November 30, 2026. He directed the High Court Registry to keep the SIT's status report in safe custody for the next hearing. Justice Lakshminarayanan had previously called for periodical status reports and stated the SIT must be allowed to work in peace.
Charge sheets filed as investigation progresses
The prosecution filed its first formal charge sheet on November 11, 2026. It was submitted before the special court for POCSO cases in Chennai.
Prosecutors indicated multiple additional charge sheets are imminent. These filings, pertaining to other crime numbers in the case, are expected within the next 10 to 15 days. The SIT confirmed its intention to submit several charge sheets in the coming days.
SIT status and investigative scope
The court reviewed a progress report from the Special Investigation Team. The SIT outlined a broader scope for its ongoing inquiry into the allegations.
The team is compiling evidence from multiple sources. This includes witness testimonies, forensic reports, and digital evidence. The SIT is also probing whether any police officials or others attempted to protect the prime accused, Veeramani.
Judicial concerns and media restraint
The judge expressed satisfaction with the substantial work done so far. He acknowledged the case's sensitivity, relating to the sexual exploitation of children.
When the judge questioned why the SIT was not conducting media briefings, the prosecutor explained the team's avoidance of the press. State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan said: "the team was avoiding media interactions in order to ensure that sensitive information related to child sexual abuse does not get disclosed."
The case falls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This 2012 law provides for the protection of children from sexual abuse and mandates speedy trials. It defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age.
The court's involvement began after writ petitions sought to transfer the investigation from state police to the CBI. Since then, the SIT has filed periodic status reports. The judge has directed petitioners to submit any evidence directly to the SIT, rather than waiting for court proceedings.
As a prominent business entity, legal proceedings involving Gem Granites' leadership attract significant public and media interest. The specific allegations and evidence within the charge sheet remain undisclosed. The legal process will continue with the framing of charges and a subsequent trial.
The court will resume hearings on November 30, 2026, with further charge sheets expected to be filed in the coming weeks.
