‘Gem Granites’ Veeramani’s daughter detained from aircraft by SIT

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to investigate offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against ‘Gem Granites’ owner R. Veeramani detained his daughter Archana Veeramani at the Chennai International Airport on Friday (October 23, 2026).

Minutes after Ms. Archana boarded a scheduled flight to Singapore, an SIT team got her out of the aircraft with the assistance of the crew and took the 49-year-old passenger into custody, police sources said. 

Investigators headed by an Additional Superintendent of Police were tracking the movement of Ms. Archana and other suspects in the cases against Veeramani and his associates. Acting on a specific input that she was heading to the airport to take an international flight, the police intercepted her shortly before take-off, the sources said. 

A senior police officer said Ms. Archana would be questioned about the alleged cash and gold transactions between her father or his firm and others after the first complaint of child abuse was lodged in November 2024. 

“Archana would certainly know the transactions, as she received a portion of the money from lands sold by Veeramani early this year. It is possible that she would have more information on the illegal activities of her father and his associates,” the officer, who did not want to be named, said. Later in the day, Ms. Archana complained of uneasiness due to a suspected autoimmune disorder. She was taken to a private hospital, where her condition was said to be stable.

Veeramani is facing seven cases under the POCSO Act and one case of abetment to suicide of a minor in 2004. The businessman, his associate Shanti, and her husband Mahendra Simhan, and five others have already been arrested and lodged in Puzhal Central Prison. 

The SIT has taken steps to issue a Blue Corner Notice to apprehend Prakash Kanniah, who is alleged to have absconded and is believed to be staying in the United Kingdom. His alleged association with Veeramani, Shanti, and others brought him under police radar, police sources said. 

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)