‘Gem Granite’ Veeramani — a stone cold perpetrator
R. Veeramani, a prominent figure in India's granite industry, is currently under investigation for the sexual assault of minor girls. Despite his long-standing reputation as a philanthropist and industry leader, a special court has ordered further police inquiries into the allegations.
Why it matters
The case is notable for the contrast between the accused's public status as an industry pioneer and the gravity of the criminal charges against him.
For decades, R. Veeramani, 84, known as ‘Gem Granite’ Veeramani , was celebrated as one of the architects of India’s granite industry. He helped build the sector’s institutional framework, headed industry bodies, and was honoured by the Union government for his contribution to granite mining and marketing. He was also known for his philanthropic activities.
Veeramani, a lawyer, entered the natural stone industry by chance and went on to become one of its pioneers. He built a multi-crore business and carefully cultivated a social circle that included politicians, celebrities, and other public figures. There seemed to have been another side to him though. Today, the Greater Chennai Police are investigating charges that he has sexually assaulted minor girls. The case took a dramatic turn after a Special Court for POCSO Act cases last month rejected an earlier police report seeking to close the investigation and ordered further inquiries.
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