Chennai: In a case alleging that more than Rs. 100 crore was collected by promising permanent recognition for private schools, permission to upgrade schools, and various government approvals, Chennai Central Crime Branch police have arrested former DMK School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
What is the case?
During the DMK regime, complaints arose that large sums of money were collected from school administrations by claiming that government recognition and legal approvals would be secured for private schools.
Based on a complaint filed by T.C. Ilangovan, an administrator of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Federation, the Central Crime Branch police of the Greater Chennai Police registered a case and began an investigation.
The complaint stated that more than about Rs. 100 crore was collected by claiming that permanent recognition for private schools, permission to upgrade schools, approval from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), and other government approvals would be obtained.
Complaint that money was collected from 177 private schools
In this case, allegations were raised against Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association president P.T. Arasakumar and others. Investigating agencies said that money was collected from private school administrations in the name of an unregistered organization.
The complaint states that the proper approvals for the money received from the schools were not obtained and that the money was not returned. The police have also said that money was collected from 177 private schools in this matter.
As the investigation into these allegations was expanded, the name of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who was then the School Education Minister, was also added to the case.
Investigation against Anbil Mahesh
As a continuation of this case, Central Crime Branch police conducted searches in September at locations in Chennai and at places in Tiruchirappalli linked to Anbil Mahesh.
Reports said that during these searches, documents, details related to bank transactions, cheques, electronic devices, and other items were seized. Following this, the police also questioned Anbil Mahesh.
In this situation, Anbil Mahesh had filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
Anticipatory bail petition dismissed
After hearing the petition, Madras High Court Judge V. Lakshminarayanan ordered on October 26 to dismiss Anbil Mahesh’s anticipatory bail petition.
The prosecution argued that it was necessary to interrogate Anbil Mahesh in custody for the investigation of the case. In response, reports say that Anbil Mahesh’s side argued that he had already cooperated with the investigation and that there was no need to question him in custody.
Following the rejection of the anticipatory bail petition, Chennai Central Crime Branch police arrested Anbil Mahesh in Chennai’s Ayanavaram.
Enforcement Directorate investigation too
Reports say that in this matter, the Enforcement Directorate has also registered a case and begun an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in connection with the financial transactions.
How the money allegedly collected from private schools was transferred, where it was used, and who is connected to it are among the key aspects of the investigation.
What next?
With Anbil Mahesh having been arrested, the police’s next phase of investigation in this case is expected to involve scrutiny of documents related to financial transactions and inquiries into the role of other associated individuals.
Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi currently being questioned at the Chennai Police Commissioner Office. https://t.co/poOESqJ1kg pic.twitter.com/CJ2z7ag5dl
— Vignesh Theni (@Vignesh_twitz) October 26, 2026
