Former DMK Minister Arrested in Chennai Following Bail Rejection

UPDATE - follow-up to Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi arrested in ₹100-crore private schools fraud case: Chennai Police arrested former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on October 26, 2026. The arrest came just hours after the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.

Investigation Details

A special team from the Central Crime Branch carried out the arrest. Police are investigating claims that large sums of money were collected as party funds from private school managements across Tamil Nadu between 2021 and 2026. Investigators added Mr. Poyyamozhi to the case after finding evidence linking him to these bribe collections. Authorities are also searching for Muthukumar, described as a close associate of the former minister who is currently absconding.

Origin of Case

The police action stems from a complaint by C. Elangovan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Federation. He filed the complaint with the Chennai Police Commissioner against B.T. Arasakumar. The complaint accused Mr. Arasakumar of running an unregistered group called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and collecting money by promising official approvals for school upgrades and building plans through his ties to the ruling party.

Context

High-profile corruption investigations involving senior political figures often rely on extensive financial trails and statements from key intermediaries before formal charges are laid. The Central Crime Branch handles major economic offenses and complex fraud cases within the state capital jurisdiction.