Police first uncovered the scandal on 28 August when the Greater Chennai Anti‑Vice Squad received a pen‑drive containing videos that allegedly showed minors being forced into sexual activities. Those tapes led to the arrest of granite magnate R Veeramani, his female associate Shanthi, and Mahendra Simhan on 29 August. Ganesan, who reportedly hid another video, was nabbed on 22 September and locked in Puzhal Central Prison, while three drivers—Lazar, Parthiban and Babu—were detained on 5 October for allegedly ferrying the girls.
The investigation has so far produced 11 complaints from minor girls, all tied back to Veeramani's properties. Police raided his Lloyds Road flat, a farmhouse in Kanathur, and the Chamundeeswari Natural Stone office, seizing documents, phones and other potential evidence.
Sakthivel, the man who runs Gem Granites' procurement wing, is now a focal point for investigators. They are combing through bank records to trace payments that might have helped Veeramani sidestep legal repercussions. Witness statements suggest Sakthivel used company accounts to channel money to Veeramani's associates, a claim the firm denies.
Veeramani himself has spent two days in Puzhal prison for questioning over the second case before the court. An earlier charge sheet was filed in the 1st case, but the 7th case remains pending, with the court scheduled to review it next month.
With Sakthivel under scrutiny, the police are now preparing to file charge sheets for the 7th case and will present the evidence to the Chennai criminal court. The proceedings are expected to set a precedent for the granite industry's regulatory oversight.