Politics · India · 8 hrs ago
Former Tamil Nadu minister arrested in private schools fraud case
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested in Chennai on October 26 in a case involving alleged payments from private schools.
Police are investigating claims that money was collected as “party fund” from school managements across Tamil Nadu.
The case centres on claims that payments were sought in return for school approvals and recognition, with alleged promises of access to the then ruling administration.
Police say they added Poyyamozhi as an accused after seizing evidence, and recently questioned him after searches connected to the case.
The Madras High Court rejected his request for anticipatory bail, and police arrested him later that day.
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin called the arrest political retaliation, while police have not described it that way in the accounts available.
The investigation is continuing, and police are also seeking an alleged associate who remains absconding.
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested in Chennai on October 26 in a case involving alleged payments from private schools.
Police allege that money was collected as a “party fund” from school managements in return for help with approvals and recognition.
A complaint by Tamil Nadu Private Schools Federation secretary C. Elangovan led to the investigation.
The Madras High Court dismissed Poyyamozhi’s anticipatory bail plea hours before his arrest.
DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin condemned the arrest, calling it politically motivated.
- Who
- Former DMK minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by Chennai Police.
- What
- He was arrested in a case alleging that money was collected from private schools in exchange for approvals and recognition.
- When
- October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- Police are investigating alleged payments collected from private school managements as a “party fund” for help obtaining approvals and recognition.
Police and investigators
Udhayanidhi Stalin
Allegation
Police and investigators
Police say evidence linked Poyyamozhi to money collected from private schools as a “party fund.
Udhayanidhi Stalin
Stalin said the arrest was politically motivated.
Purpose of arrest
Police and investigators
Police are investigating allegations of payments for school approvals and recognition.
Udhayanidhi Stalin
Stalin said the arrest was intended to divert attention from the government’s failures.
Police arrested B.T. Arasakumar over allegations that he collected money from private schools by promising help with approvals.
Police raided places linked to Poyyamozhi and reportedly found documents relating to private-school recognition.
The Madras High Court dismissed Poyyamozhi’s anticipatory bail plea.
Chennai Police arrested Poyyamozhi and took him to the commissioner’s office for questioning.
- Former minister
- Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi
- Arrest date
- October 26, 2026
- Investigating unit
- Central Crime Branch, Chennai Police
- Alleged amount
- More than ₹100 crore, according to DinaMani
- Complainant
- C. Elangovan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Federation
4 sources
Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi arrested in ₹100-crore private schools fraud case
திமுக முன்னாள் அமைச்சர் அன்பில் மகேஷ் கைது ஏன்? பின்னணி என்ன?
கோமாளி அரசின் தோல்விகளை மறைக்க கைது நடவடிக்கை: உதயநிதி கண்டனம்
What people are saying
I strongly condemn these clownish rulers who have arrested former minister and brother Anbil Mahesh with political revenge as their motive.