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Former Tamil Nadu minister Anbil Mahesh was arrested after the Madras HC rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case alleging collection of over ₹100 crore from private schools.
Former Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh (Credits: ANI)
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Chennai Central Crime Branch on Monday, shortly after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea in a case involving alleged financial irregularities in the granting of approvals to private schools.
The case centres on allegations that more than Rs 100 crore was collected from private school managements, with the money allegedly sought in the name of ‘party funds’. Investigators are probing whether the collections were linked to promises of securing government permissions and regulatory clearances for schools.
What Is The Case Against Anbil Mahesh?
The Central Crime Branch registered the case following complaints alleging that money was collected from private schools on assurances that their pending applications for recognition, renewals, upgradation and other approvals would be facilitated.
According to the investigating agency, around 177 private schools have been identified in connection with the alleged collections. The agency has also alleged that Mahesh was directly involved in discussions over the money collected in the name of party funds. These allegations have not been established in court.
The former minister was subsequently named as an accused in the case. Police also conducted searches at premises linked to him and his associates as part of the investigation.
Madras HC Rejects Anticipatory Bail
At A Glance
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Chennai Central Crime Branch.
The case involves allegations that more than Rs 100 crore was collected from private school managements in the name of party funds.
Investigators have identified around 177 private schools in connection with the alleged collections.
The Madras High Court dismissed Mahesh’s anticipatory bail petition on October 26.
The Enforcement Directorate separately registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act regarding the alleged money trail.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan of the Madras High Court dismissed Mahesh’s anticipatory bail petition on October 26, leaving him without protection from arrest.
During the hearing, Mahesh’s lawyer argued that the former minister had already appeared before investigators, answered questions and cooperated with the probe. His counsel maintained that custodial interrogation was not necessary and that the police had already collected documents and other material during searches.
The prosecution, however, argued that further interrogation was required to establish the alleged money trail and determine the roles of the accused. It also raised concerns about an alleged key accused who remains absconding.
ED Also Probing Alleged Money Trail
The Enforcement Directorate separately registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act earlier this month in connection with the alleged racket. The agency is examining the movement and use of the money allegedly collected from private school managements.
Mahesh has maintained that he cooperated with the investigation and, through his legal team, opposed the need for custodial interrogation. The investigation into the allegations is continuing.
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Ask News18Anbil Mahesh was arrested by the Chennai Central Crime Branch following allegations that over Rs 100 crore was collected from private school managements under the guise of party funds to facilitate pending approvals and recognitions.
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Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can …Read More
October 26, 2026, 17:02 IST
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