Former Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun and six other officers, including former Anti-Vice Squad ACP M A Yasmin, have been named accused in the first FIR filed by the SIT in the POCSO case against Gem Granites founder R Veeramani, police sources said.Eight associates of Veeramani have also been arrested in connection with the alleged network. Former Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun and six other police personnel have been named as accused in a case linked to the investigation against Gem Granites founder R Veeramani under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, news agency Press Trust of India reported, citing police sources.The Special Investigation Team has also filed its first charge sheet against Veeramani and his two drivers, Parthiban and Babu, over the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old Dalit girl.The police officers, including former Anti-Vice Squad Assistant Commissioner M A Yasmin, were named in the first FIR filed by the SIT.
They are accused of failing to properly investigate the original complaint, leading to a closure report being filed before a special court earlier this year.According to police sources cited by PTI, the SIT submitted its 720-page final report, which cites 40 witnesses, before the Special Court for the exclusive trial of cases under the POCSO Act at the High Court campus on November 11. The charge sheet was filed within 46 days of the case being registered on September 27.
Investigators alleged that Veeramani sexually abused the minor girl. His drivers were named as accused for allegedly transporting the survivor to and from his residence despite knowing about the offence.The three accused have been charged under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The Director General of Police constituted the SIT on September 24 under the supervision of the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner to investigate the initial case and related matters. After the team was formed, seven fresh cases involving nine minor survivors were registered based on complaints from the victims or their mothers.Eight associates of Veeramani have also been arrested in connection with the alleged network.
The SIT is continuing a parallel investigation against the seven police personnel accused of failing to properly examine the original complaint, while Veeramani and his two drivers face charges over the alleged abuse of the minor girl.- Ends