Former Tamil Nadu Education Minister Arrested in ₹100 Crore School Scam

Arrest of Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi

In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, police have apprehended Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, a leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and former state education minister, in connection with an alleged ₹100 crore scam involving private schools. This action, taken on Monday, has stirred political activity within the state. His arrest followed the rejection of his anticipatory bail plea by the Madras High Court, occurring shortly after the court's decision.

The investigation into this case is being conducted by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Greater Chennai Police.

The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the process of granting recognition to private schools and issuing related administrative approvals. According to investigative agencies, it is alleged that from 2021 to 2026, while serving as the Tamil Nadu School Education Minister, Poyyamozhi collected funds from the management of over a thousand private schools under the pretext of party funding. In return, assurances were made to provide these schools with permanent recognition and other necessary administrative approvals.

The police have included charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act in the FIR registered in this case. The primary focus of the investigation is on the alleged collection of funds from private educational institutions and the subsequent approvals at the government level. However, the final confirmation of these allegations will depend on the ongoing investigation and judicial proceedings.

Before his arrest, Poyyamozhi had filed a petition for anticipatory bail in the Madras High Court. After failing to secure relief from the court, he was taken into custody by the Central Crime Branch. Currently, the legal proceedings and investigation are ongoing, with attention on any emerging facts during this process.