Industrialist, 2 aides arrested for sexually abusing minor in Chennai

Chennai Police arrested industrialist Veeramani and associates Shanthi and Mahendhira Chikkan after a pen drive complaint alleged sexual offences against a minor. Investigators are now examining seized videos, documents and belongings to determine the full scope of the case.As part of the probe, police also seized video evidence reportedly linked to the sexual assault of one of the minor girls. (File Photo/Representative image)Industrialist Veeramani, and his associates Shanthi and her husband Mahendhira Chikkan have been arrested in Chennai in connection with allegations of sexual offences against a minor girl.The case came to light on October 6, 2025, when an unidentified man approached an office of the Greater Chennai Police and handed over a pen drive along with a written complaint.According to police, the pen drive contained a video that showed Veeramani sexually assaulting a minor girl inside the bedroom of a house belonging to his associate Shanthi.Police said the video was examined and appeared to show an elderly man committing a sexual offence against a minor girl. Following the complaint, the Chennai Police's Central Crime Branch, Investigation Division, registered a case on October 7. During the subsequent investigation, police established that the person seen in the video was Veeramani, described by authorities as a well-known industrialist.VEERAMANI HAD A RENTED HOUSE: POLICEInvestigators found that Veeramani had rented a house in Teynampet and had entrusted its management to Shanthi and her husband, Mahendhira Chikkan. Police said their investigation indicated that several minor girls had been brought to a bedroom in the house and subjected to sexual offences. As part of the probe, police also seized video evidence reportedly linked to the sexual assault of one of the minor girls.Searches were subsequently conducted at the residences and other premises linked to the accused. According to police, investigators recovered several documents considered relevant to the case, along with belongings of other minor girls and women.POLICE LAUNCH SEARCH OPERATIONPolice said the searches and arrests were carried out as part of efforts to assist the investigation and prevent any further offences.Veeramani, Shanthi and Mahendhira Chikkan were arrested and produced before a court, which remanded all three accused in judicial custody.The police have not disclosed further details about the identities or circumstances of the victims, given that the case involves minors.The investigation is continuing, with police examining the seized material and other evidence to establish the full circumstances of the offences. Authorities are also probing the role of each of the arrested accused and whether other individuals were involved.The allegations are subject to investigation and legal proceedings, and the accused remain in judicial custody as the probe continues.- EndsPublished By: Ritaban MisraPublished On: Aug 30, 2026 12:34 IST