DMK Leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi Arrested in Major School Scam

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, the former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader, has been arrested in connection with a ₹100 crore scam involving private schools. Following the dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea by the Madras High Court, he was taken into custody. The allegations suggest he collected funds from over 1,000 school managements during his tenure, promising recognition and approvals in return. The case has drawn significant attention, with the Tamil Nadu government labeling it as 'financial terrorism.' The Enforcement Directorate is also investigating the financial aspects of the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 26, 2026, 20:05 IST

Arrest of Former Education Minister

In Chennai, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, a prominent DMK figure and former Minister for School Education in Tamil Nadu, was taken into custody on Monday due to his alleged involvement in a ₹100 crore scam linked to private schools, according to police reports.

Authorities revealed that Mahesh was apprehended in Aminjikarai and subsequently brought to the Commissioner of Police's office after the Madras High Court rejected his request for anticipatory bail.

Earlier that day, Justice V Lakshminarayanan dismissed the bail application related to the purported scam, which concerns the granting of recognition and necessary clearances to private educational institutions. The judge had previously reserved his decision on this matter on October 16.

The Tamil Nadu government opposed the bail request, labeling the situation as one of 'financial terrorism.'

Mahesh faces allegations of soliciting funds from more than 1,000 private school administrators under the pretense of a 'party fund' during his term as School Education Minister from 2021 to 2026, in return for permanent recognition and other essential approvals.

The First Information Report (FIR) includes accusations under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), stemming from a complaint filed by the former General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the financial activities associated with the alleged scam.