Former Tamil Nadu Minister Anbil Mahesh Arrested in Alleged ₹100 Crore Private Schools Corruption Case

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has been arrested by the Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) in an alleged ₹100 crore corruption case involving licences and approvals for private schools, according to reports citing sources.

Investigators suspect that money was collected from private educational institutions on the promise of securing government permissions, with 177 schools identified as potentially affected by the alleged scheme.

Mahesh, a senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, was named as an accused after investigators examined digital evidence and statements recorded during questioning. Police have invoked provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act in the case. The former minister has denied the allegations and challenged the proceedings against him.

Madras High Court Rejects Anticipatory Bail Plea

The arrest comes after the Madras High Court dismissed Mahesh’s anticipatory bail petition on Monday. Justice V Lakshminarayan rejected his plea for protection against arrest.

Mahesh has also approached the court separately, seeking to quash the first information report (FIR) registered against him.

The investigation is continuing, with police examining the alleged collection of money and the roles of those suspected of facilitating government approvals for private schools.

How the Private Schools Corruption Case Began

The case originated with a complaint by Ilangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools, Tamil Nadu.

He alleged that money had been collected from him on the promise of securing permanent recognition, school upgradation, planning approvals and other permissions required by private educational institutions.

The initial allegations centred on BT Arasukumar, president of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, and other office-bearers. They were accused of collecting membership fees and subscriptions from private schools while promising to facilitate official approvals.

Investigators subsequently widened their inquiry into the alleged network and the possible involvement of others.

DMK Alleges Political Targeting

The DMK has accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents.

The allegations against Mahesh remain subject to the legal process. The investigation is expected to establish the alleged flow of money, the roles of the accused and the extent of any irregularities involving private-school approvals.