CHENNAI — The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Chennai Police has arrested former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with an alleged ₹100-crore corruption scheme involving statutory clearances for private educational institutions.
The arrest came shortly after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail application. Investigators have identified 177 private schools across the state that were allegedly targeted under the bribery ring.
Key Takeaways
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Police Custody: The Central Crime Branch arrested former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi from Aminjikarai in Chennai.
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Judicial Rejection: The Madras High Court rejected the former minister’s anticipatory bail plea, paving the way for police custody.
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Core Allegations: Investigators allege that over ₹100 crore was extracted from 177 private school management boards in exchange for government approvals and operational licenses.
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Statutory Charges: Charges have been invoked under the Prevention of Corruption Act following the recovery of digital evidence and recorded statements.
High Court Dismissal and Legal Proceedings
The arrest was executed after single-judge Justice V. Lakshminarayanan of the Madras High Court dismissed Poyyamozhi’s anticipatory bail application.
The defense team argued that third parties had misused the former minister’s name without his direct involvement. However, investigating authorities submitted evidence including digital records and witness statements indicating that funds were systematically collected as party contributions and administrative fees for statutory approvals.
Poyyamozhi has denied all charges and filed a separate petition before the High Court seeking to quash the First Information Report (FIR).
Investigation Scope and Political Backdrop
The Central Crime Branch initiated proceedings following complaints from private school associations regarding mandatory statutory renewals:
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Affected Institutions: Investigators allege that 177 private schools were subjected to coercion to secure mandatory state clearances.
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Evidence Gathering: The prosecution cited electronic data, financial audit trails, and witness testimony connecting former ministry officials to the illegal collections.
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Political Reaction: DMK representatives criticized the action as politically motivated targeting, asserting full confidence in judicial remedies as the matter proceeds through court channels.
