Chennai (Tamil Nadu):- Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, former School Education Minister of Tamil Nadu, has been arrested by the Central Crime Branch of Chennai Police in an alleged ₹100 crore corruption case linked to granting licences and other approvals to private schools.
The arrests follow an investigation into allegations that private educational institutions were subjected to extortion through promises of government approvals. Investigators have identified 177 schools allegedly affected by the scam.
Mahesh, a senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, has been named as an accused in the case. Investigators say evidence gathered during the probe, including material recovered from digital devices and statements recorded during questioning, allegedly points to his involvement in corruption and breach of trust.
Following this, the police have initiated action against the former minister under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The former minister has denied the allegations and challenged the case registered against him.
The DMK has accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu of using investigative agencies to target political opponents.
