Ex-Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Booked in Rs 100-Crore Bribery Case

The Central Crime Branch of the Chennai Police has booked former Tamil Nadu school education minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore bribery racket involving approvals for private educational institutions.

On Wednesday, police searched four locations linked to the former minister in Chennai and Trichy, besides two premises connected to his personal assistant.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Ilangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools, Tamil Nadu. He alleged that money was collected from him on the promise of securing permanent recognition, upgradation, approval and other permissions for private schools.

Investigators have so far identified 177 private schools as affected, with crores of rupees allegedly swindled. Bank accounts linked to the case have been frozen and digital evidence seized.

More than 250 people have been questioned in the course of the investigation, including officials of the School Education Department, from whom documents were also collected.

In June last year, DMK leader Arasakumar was arrested under the Goondas Act on the basis of the same complaint. Two more people have also been arrested in connection with the case.

DMK chief MK Stalin described the raid as political vendetta and a diversion from people-centric issues. In a post on X, he said Tamil Nadu was facing frequent power cuts and law and order problems while the Chief Minister was away shooting in London, and alleged that the raids were meant to divert attention from real issues. He added that the party would face the action legally.