Published Sep 18, 2026 | 2:00 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 18, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Anbil Mahesh. (File Photo)
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi is being questioned by the Chennai Central Crime Branch in connection with an alleged ₹100-crore private school fraud case in Tamil Nadu.
Police, led by Central Crime Branch Assistant Commissioner Senthil, are questioning Mahesh at the Chennai Police Commissioner’s Office in Vepery. The questioning reportedly focuses on digital records and 118 documents seized during searches, as well as alleged financial transactions between private schools and the government.
Investigators are also questioning Mahesh about the alleged collection of funds from private schools, the number of schools involved, the purpose for which the funds were collected and how the money was allegedly utilised.
This follows simultaneous searches on Wednesday, September 16, by the Crime Branch at six locations in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli linked to Mahesh and his alleged aide Valadi Karthik.
The fraud case was registered based on a complaint lodged by Ilangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu, who alleged that private school managements were cheated after being promised government approvals, including permanent recognition, school upgradation, DTCP (Directorate of Town and Country Planning) approvals and other statutory clearances, in return for money.
As part of the investigation, the CCB had arrested BT Arasakumar, 59, of Saligramam, Chennai, on June 27, 2026. Arasakumar called himself the founder-president of an unregistered organisation called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association (TNPSAA). He was subsequently remanded in judicial custody and later detained under the Goondas Act. Two other persons connected to the case have also been arrested and remanded in judicial custody.
The CCB’s preliminary investigation has found that money running into several crores of rupees was allegedly collected from 177 private schools. Police said complaints from additional schools were continuing to arrive.
The police allege that evidence gathered during the investigation points to corruption and criminal breach of trust involving Anbil Mahesh.
The police had already registered a case against the former school education minister under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Former Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin had termed the police action against Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi as a “political vendetta” and an attempt to divert public attention from pressing issues in the State.
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TN cops search locations linked to ex-Education Minister Anbil Mahesh in school approval fraud case
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
