Ex-minister Anbil Mahesh faces corruption case as CCB searches multiple properties
The Central Crime Branch has registered a case against former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi under the Prevention of Corruption Act in connection with allegations that money was collected from private schools by promising government approvals and clearances.
The case follows an investigation involving witness accounts, documentary material and electronic evidence, police said.
On Wednesday morning, CCB teams carried out searches at four properties associated with Poyyamozhi in Chennai and Tiruchy. Simultaneous searches were also conducted at two locations linked to his aide Valadi Karthik in the two cities.
Investigators are examining alleged financial dealings and possible links between the accused and government officials.
In Tiruchy, officers began searching Poyyamozhi’s residence in Thennur Anna Nagar at around 7.30 am. A sizeable group of DMK supporters gathered outside as the operation continued. Former minister K N Nehru also arrived at the location but remained outside the premises.
Nehru told reporters that several senior DMK leaders were being targeted by the TVK. He said he had not been permitted to enter the residence and that Poyyamozhi had spoken to him by phone, asking him to return after the search was over.
The investigation originated from a complaint filed by Elangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu. The complaint alleged that school managements had paid money in return for promises of permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP approval and other government permissions.
The CCB arrested B T Arasakumar, 59, of Saligramam, on June 27. He was later detained under the Goondas Act. Two more individuals have also been arrested as part of the investigation.
Police have questioned over 250 people, including officials from the School Education Department, and have taken possession of government records relevant to the case.
The preliminary probe indicated that several crores of rupees were allegedly collected from 177 private schools. Investigators have frozen 20 bank accounts associated with Arasakumar and members of his family, along with 29 accounts connected to another accused, Muthukumaran.
Earlier searches had also been conducted at residences, offices, school premises and the Directorate of Public Instruction campus.