The Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Wednesday conducted searches at the residence of former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in Tiruchirappalli. The search is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged financial fraud involving private schools.
According to the police investigation, more than Rs 100 crore was allegedly collected from private school managements by promising to help them obtain government approvals and other official clearances. These included permanent recognition, school upgrades, and other statutory permissions.
The case is linked to B T Arasakumar, who was arrested by the CCB in June. Police allege that Arasakumar operated an unregistered organisation called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and claimed that he could use political and official connections to help schools obtain approvals. He was later detained under the Goondas Act.
The investigation has expanded as more private school managements have come forward with complaints. The CCB told the Madras High Court in September that it had received 177 complaints related to allegations that money was collected by promising permanent recognition and other approvals.
The searches at Anbil Mahesh’s residence are part of the investigation. Reports said searches were also carried out at other locations connected to him in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. The investigation is continuing, and authorities are examining documents, financial transactions, and statements from those involved.
Meanwhile, DMK supporters gathered outside the former minister’s residence as the search was taking place. The gathering was seen as an expression of support for the leader while the investigation continued.
The allegations against Anbil Mahesh and others have not been established as facts by a court. The CCB investigation is continuing to determine whether any government approvals were improperly obtained or whether money was collected through false promises.