Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Greater Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Monday in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore private school recognition scam.
The arrest occurred shortly after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail petition.
Investigating authorities allege that during his tenure as School Education Minister from 2021 to 2026, Mahesh collected bribes disguised as “party funds” from over 1,000 private school managements. In exchange, the ministry allegedly granted permanent recognition and statutory administrative clearances.
The CCB has booked Mahesh under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a parallel case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the financial trail.
The arrest follows extensive September raids across Mahesh’s residences in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, during which officials seized bank statements, property deeds, and electronic devices.
The investigation gained momentum following complaints from a private school association and the previous arrests of three individuals in June.
Mahesh has denied all allegations, labelling the legal proceedings a “political vendetta” and diversionary tactic by the state administration. Despite his claims of full cooperation, the court’s rejection of his bail plea paved the way for his custody.
