100 Crore school scam: ex-Tamil Nadu minister of DMK govt arrested

Chennai: Former Tamil Nadu school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi of the DMK government was arrested by the Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch on Monday in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore corruption case involving government approvals for private schools.

The arrest came hours after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea. Justice V. Lakshminarayanan dismissed the petition seeking protection from arrest.

Investigators allege that money was collected from private school managements by promising to secure licences, recognition certificates and other government clearances. Around 177 private schools have reportedly come under the scanner as part of the investigation.

The police claim that digital evidence and statements recorded during questioning indicate Mahesh’s alleged involvement in corruption and breach of trust. Provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act have been invoked against the former minister.

Mahesh has denied the allegations and challenged the case in court. Apart from seeking anticipatory bail, he has filed a separate petition seeking to quash the first information report (FIR).

The arrest has triggered a political confrontation in Tamil Nadu. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents.

The case centres on allegations that private educational institutions were made to pay money in return for government permissions. The investigation is continuing.