CCB questions former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh in school approvals fraud case

The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Friday questioned former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with a fraud case involving the alleged collection of money from private school managements in exchange for promised government approvals.

The case was registered after a complaint was lodged with the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner. Investigators have arrested three people — B.T. Arasakumar, Suresh and Raja — and have so far found that roughly ₹18 crore was allegedly collected from private schools on the promise of securing approvals from the School Education Department, amounting to a breach of trust and financial fraud.

On the strength of evidence gathered during the probe, action was initiated against Mr. Anbil Mahesh under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

As part of the investigation, the CCB carried out searches at nine locations on September 16. These included four premises linked to Mr. Anbil Mahesh in Chennai and Tiruchi, as well as properties connected to his aides Valadi Karthik, Arun Prakash and Prakash. Property documents, bank details, cheques and electronic devices were seized during the operation.

Mr. Anbil Mahesh appeared before the CCB at the Police Commissionerate in Vepery around 11 a.m. on Friday, acting on a notice issued under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita directing him to appear for enquiry.

During questioning, police sought details about his alleged links with Arasakumar, Muthukumar and private school managements, the alleged collection of a "party fund" from school managements, bank accounts identified in connection with the transactions and other financial dealings. He was questioned on a case-by-case basis and confronted with documentary evidence, and his responses and explanations were recorded as part of his statement. The enquiry continued until the evening.

Further investigation into the case is underway.