Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has been arrested in connection with an alleged ₹100-crore corruption case involving private schools and government approvals. The arrest was made by the Chennai Police's Central Crime Branch following an investigation into allegations that money was collected from educational institutions in exchange for securing official permissions.
Mahesh is a senior leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Investigators are examining allegations that private schools were asked to pay money on the promise of obtaining permanent recognition, school upgrades, planning approvals and other necessary government clearances. According to the investigation, 177 schools may have been affected by the alleged scheme.
The former minister was named as an accused after investigators reportedly examined digital evidence and statements recorded during questioning. Police have invoked provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act in the case. Mahesh has denied the allegations and challenged the proceedings against him.
The arrest comes after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail petition on Monday. Justice V. Lakshminarayan declined to grant him protection from arrest. Separately, Mahesh has approached the court seeking the quashing of the First Information Report (FIR) registered against him.
How the Investigation Began
The investigation originated from a complaint filed by Ilangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools, Tamil Nadu. He alleged that money had been collected on the promise of arranging permanent recognition, upgradation and other regulatory approvals for private educational institutions.
The initial allegations reportedly centred on B. T. Arasukumar, president of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, and other office-bearers. They were accused of collecting membership fees and subscriptions from schools while promising to facilitate official clearances.
Investigators subsequently expanded their inquiry to examine the alleged financial transactions and the possible involvement of other individuals, including the former minister.
The case has also triggered a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu. The DMK has accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents.
The allegations remain subject to legal proceedings, and the accused are entitled to due process. Further developments in the investigation and the court proceedings are expected to determine how the case progresses.
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