Tamil Nadu CM Vijay orders intensified POCSO probe into 84-year-old businessman after multiple minors give statements

# What happened

# Why the probe is being expanded

Police initially recorded one complaint after receiving a USB drive containing a video clip allegedly showing a minor being assaulted at the businessman's guest house in Teynampet. Following that discovery, investigators identified additional victims. At one stage the Chennai City Police said seven more minor girls, beyond the original complainant, had been identified and their statements recorded before the POCSO Special Court at the Madras High Court. Now authorities say nine more minors have given statements.

# How the police are handling the case

• The accused was arrested on August 29. He was taken into custody and the POCSO Special Court granted three days' custody for interrogation.
• Considering his age and health, interrogations are being conducted inside Puzhal prison between 10 am and 5 pm and are being video recorded. The Central Crime Branch's Anti-Vice Squad is conducting the questioning.
• A special investigative team led by ACP Rajalakshmi established that the survivor in the video was a minor in 2019, which prompted continued investigation after the court rejected a police closure report.
• A special team made up of women Sub-Inspectors has been formed to identify minor girls who appear in the video evidence.

# Additional legal developments

• Two others were arrested alongside the businessman in the initial action.

# What officials have said and done

# Immediate implications for the investigation

The combination of recorded video evidence, multiple victim statements, the involvement of a specially constituted women-led team, and a court-ordered continuation of the probe means investigators are treating the matter as an active, multi-victim POCSO case with potential additional offences under special laws. The chief minister's public directive raises pressure for a thorough, accountable investigation.

# What remains open

Officials have identified several victims and recorded statements in court, but the reporting indicates the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are still identifying and examining people who appear in evidence. The scope of arrests beyond the initial three and the final charges to be framed will depend on the probe's findings and court proceedings.