Tamil Nadu minister urges SIT to probe Gem Granites Veeramani POCSO allegations

The Hindu reported that Tamil Nadu minister K. Annamalai has formally asked for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be set up to examine the POCSO case linked to Gem Granites. Veeramani, the company's proprietor, is currently under investigation for alleged offences against minors under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to the same source, the police have already recorded statements from several victims and have seized some of the firm's records, but investigators say the inquiry has hit a wall when it comes to identifying possible accomplices. Annamalai said a dedicated SIT would have the authority and resources to trace any hidden links, stating, “We must uncover the entire network, not just one individual.”

The minister’s request was directed to both the state Home Department and the central government, which have the power to constitute such a team. He warned that without a focused probe, the case could fizzle out, leaving vulnerable children without justice. The Hindu noted that Annamalai’s demand follows growing public pressure after media reports highlighted the seriousness of the allegations.

The POCSO Act, enacted in 2012, criminalises a wide range of sexual offences against children and mandates swift, child‑friendly investigations. In high‑profile cases across India, courts have occasionally ordered the formation of SITs to cut through bureaucratic delays and to coordinate between state and central agencies. Such teams have been pivotal in exposing larger trafficking rings, as seen in the 2020 Delhi‑based child‑sex network bust.

Gem Granites operates in the Tirunelveli district, an area known for its booming stone‑cutting industry. The sector has long been scrutinised for labour violations, including the employment of under‑aged workers. Past reports have linked some quarry owners to illicit activities, though concrete evidence has been scarce. An SIT could therefore shed light on whether the alleged abuse is an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern of exploitation within the industry.

If the SIT is approved, it would likely comprise senior officers from the Crime Branch, child‑rights experts, and forensic specialists. Their mandate would be to re‑examine existing evidence, interview additional witnesses, and map any connections to other businesses or individuals. The outcome could influence not only the fate of Veeramani but also shape future regulatory oversight of the granite trade in Tamil Nadu.

The case remains under judicial scrutiny, and families of the victims have called for swift justice. Annamalai’s appeal adds political weight to the demand for transparency, signaling that the state is prepared to intervene if standard investigative channels prove inadequate.