Chennai Police Take Former Tamil Nadu Minister Into Custody Over School Fund Scam

UPDATE - follow-up to Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi arrested in ₹100 crore private schools fraud case: Chennai police arrested former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on October 26, 2026, just hours after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in connection with a multi-crore scam.

Investigation Details

A special team from the Central Crime Branch arrested Mr. Poyyamozhi, who served as the School Education Minister from 2021 to 2026. Investigators state that large sums of money were collected as party funds from various private school managements across Tamil Nadu. The case began with a complaint by C. Elangovan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Federation, submitted to the Chennai Police Commissioner. The complaint accused B.T. Arasakumar of collecting money by running an unregistered group called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association. Mr. Arasakumar was later detained under the Goondas Act after promising services like school upgrades, permanent recognition, and building plan approvals by using his closeness to the ruling dispensation.

Evidence And Search

The Central Crime Branch added Mr. Poyyamozhi to the case after seizing evidence pointing to the collection of bribe money labeled as party funds. Authorities are currently trying to apprehend Muthukumar, who is described as a close associate of Mr. Poyyamozhi and is currently absconding.

Context

Corruption investigations involving high-profile political figures often rely heavily on financial paper trails and witness testimonies gathered over months of police work. High-ranking ministers hold significant authority over department decisions, making oversight of administrative approvals a central focus in public sector graft inquiries.