Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi arrested in alleged ₹100-crore private school approval case

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Monday, 26 October 2026, in connection with an alleged corruption case involving private school approvals. News reports put the suspected amount involved at more than ₹100 crore.

The arrest followed the Madras High Court’s rejection of his anticipatory bail petition earlier that day. The case concerns allegations that money was collected from private school managements in return for assistance in obtaining government recognition, licences and other regulatory clearances.

The investigation originated from a complaint concerning alleged financial irregularities involving private educational institutions in Tamil Nadu. According to reports, investigators have identified approximately 177 private schools potentially connected to the alleged collection of funds.

The payments were allegedly sought in connection with services such as permanent school recognition, permission to upgrade institutions, building-related clearances and other official approvals. Investigators suspect that some money was collected under the description of a party fund, with assurances that pending applications would be resolved.

Police registered a case following a complaint from a representative of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu. The investigation was subsequently expanded to examine the alleged role of Mahesh and other individuals.