Chennai Police Issue Look Out Circulars Against Five in Veeramani POCSO Investigation

The circulars are intended to prevent the suspects from leaving India and enable immigration authorities to intercept them at airports, seaports and designated land crossings. Investigators suspect that the individuals may possess information or documents relevant to the alleged offences, police sources said.

According to police, possible links between the five individuals and the cases emerged during the ongoing investigation into Veeramani, an octogenarian businessman, and others. An officer said the travel restrictions were imposed after investigators found indications of their suspected involvement in the matters under inquiry.

SIT Registers Eight POCSO Cases

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) handling the investigation has registered eight cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against Veeramani and others. A separate case relates to the alleged abetment of a minor girl’s suicide in 2004.

Police said eight accused have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently lodged in Puzhal Central Prison.

In a separate development, Veeramani’s daughter, Archana Veeramani, was allowed to return home after receiving hospital treatment for an ailment. SIT personnel had detained her at Chennai International Airport on Friday when she was preparing to travel abroad.

According to an SIT statement, investigators questioned Archana about her father’s alleged activities and financial transactions that police suspect may have been intended to evade law enforcement action.

Fresh Complaint Adds to Investigation

Police have also registered another POCSO case against Veeramani following a complaint from a woman who alleged that he had sexually abused her. His associate Shanti and another individual, identified as Lazar, have also been named in the case.

The complaint forms part of the eight POCSO cases registered so far, with investigators examining the alleged roles of Veeramani and those associated with him.

The SIT has said it plans to seek custody of Veeramani, Shanti and her husband, Mahendra Simhan, for further questioning.

Investigators intend to question them about evidence collected and seized during the investigation, while examining the allegations across the various registered cases.

Police sources said the LOCs were issued to ensure that the five suspects remain available to investigators as the inquiry progresses.

The SIT has indicated that it intends to complete the investigation and file chargesheets before the designated court. The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.