Crime Branch searches businesswoman’s house in Anbil Mahesh bribery case
The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) has launched a search at the residence of businesswoman Shanmugapriya at Rams Ragasree Villas in Perungudi as part of its investigation into alleged bribery involving former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
The case stems from a complaint filed by an association representing private schools. The association has alleged that more than Rs. 100 crore was collected from schools on the promise of securing permanent recognition and statutory approvals, including clearances from the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The alleged activities are linked to the previous DMK government, during which Anbil Mahesh held the education portfolio.
Anbil Mahesh has been arrested by the CCB in connection with the case and is currently lodged at Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai, where he has reportedly been allotted first-class facilities.
The former minister has filed a bail application before the special court handling corruption cases in Chennai. The petition is scheduled to come up for hearing on Thursday. Meanwhile, investigators are preparing to seek five days of police custody for further questioning.
The latest search is linked to another allegation that the total amount involved could be around Rs. 400 crore. A team of approximately 10 police personnel has been carrying out the search at Shanmugapriya’s residence since morning.
The investigation is continuing as police examine the allegations surrounding payments allegedly collected in exchange for school recognition and regulatory approvals.