Chennai: In the case involving fraud committed by claiming to grant recognition to private schools, former minister Anbil Mahesh was questioned for 8 hours yesterday. During that time, the special investigation police asked a series of questions.
During the previous DMK regime in Tamil Nadu (2021 - 2026), allegations arose that Rs. 100 crore had been swindled by claiming to secure various government approvals for private schools, including permanent recognition for private schools, upgrading school standards, and DTCP permission. In this regard, Ilangovan, the secretary of the Private Schools Federation, filed a complaint at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s Office.
In this case, DMK functionary P.T. Arasakumar, a resident of Saligramam, Chennai and former chairman of the Federation of Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, was arrested on June 27 for allegedly using his influence to collect crores of rupees and commit fraud.
He was later also detained under the Goondas Act. Two others connected to him, Suresh and Raja, were arrested and jailed as well. Complaints were received from 177 private schools. Through this, it came to light that fraud had been carried out by collecting more than about Rs. 100 crore.
In connection with this money fraud case, more than 250 people were questioned and statements were recorded one after another. In addition, 20 bank accounts belonging to Arasakumar, the main accused, and his family members, as well as 29 bank accounts linked to DMK former MLA Muthukumar, who is absconding, were identified, and the financial transactions carried out in them were also examined and information was collected.
Important documents and digital devices were seized in earlier searches conducted at the homes, offices, and school premises of the accused. Following this, a case was registered against then School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Following this, the places owned by Anbil Mahesh in Chennai and Tiruchi and his assistants were contin
Chennai Central Crime Branch police conducted raids on the 16th at a total of 9 locations identified as suspected places. During the raids, along with property documents, bank details, and cheques, 118 documents related to the case, 18 mobile phones, 3 laptops, 8 pen drives, 2 hard disks, a tablet, and an Apple iPad were seized.
Police said that the investigation conducted so far has confirmed that around Rs. 18 crore was defrauded from the affected private schools.
Following this, a summons was issued to Anbil Mahesh to appear in person before the Central Crime Branch police at the Police Commissioner’s office in Vepery, Chennai, on August 18 (yesterday) morning. Meanwhile, the police examined through the night from the evening of the day before yesterday the documents seized during the raid. In addition, the police had prepared a large number of questions to ask Anbil Mahesh.
In this situation, Anbil Mahesh arrived in person at the Police Commissioner’s office at around 10:52 a.m. yesterday. Central Crime Branch police took him to their room on the first floor (the Deputy Commissioner’s room) and questioned him. Police led by Assistant Commissioner Senthil and Inspector Kamal Mohan asked the questions they had already prepared in advance.
In particular, questions were asked based on various details, including his friendship, contact, and financial transactions with Arasakumar. Questions were also raised based on the documents seized. All of Anbil Mahesh’s responses were recorded as written statements and on video. This investigation lasted 8 hours. The police had prepared 295 questions to ask Anbil Mahesh.
Earlier, upon learning that Anbil Mahesh would appear for questioning, his supporting lawyers gathered at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office premises. The police drove them out and closed the Police Commissioner’s gate door (3). Heavy police security was deployed to prevent anyone from entering inside.
Questioning again next week: After the questioning ended and he came out, Anbil Mahesh told reporters: I answered all the questions asked of me patiently. They said I must come when called next week. I said I will come whenever I am called on any date.
No documents were seized from me in connection with this case. This is a completely false case. I have done nothing wrong. I think the remaining 40 questions will be asked next week. Regarding money collection, they asked me about Arasakumar, who was arrested in the case, and Muthukumar, who is absconding. I have told the police that they should ask them about this. He said this.
