Former education minister Anbil Mahesh questioned by CCB police

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. File

The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) police on Friday questioned former education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with a fraud case involving allegedly extorting money from private school managements on the promise of securing government approval from the education department.

Based on a complaint filed with the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, the CCB registered a case and started an investigation. The three accused persons — BT Arasakumar, Suresh and Raja — have been arrested. Investigations have so far revealed that around ₹18 crore was allegedly collected from private schools in the name of securing government approvals, leading to breach of trust and financial fraud.

Based on the evidence collected during the investigation, a case was initiated against Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

On September 16, the CCB conducted searches at nine locations, including four premises belonging to Mr Anbil Mahesh in Chennai and Tiruchi and premises associated with his aides Valadi Karthik, Arun Prakash and Prakash. Property documents, bank statements, checks and electronic devices were seized during the searches. Further investigation is underway.

Pursuant to a notice issued under Section 35(3) of the BNSS ordering him to appear for investigation, Mr. Anbil Mahesh appeared before the CCB at the Vepery police station on Friday around 11:00 am.

The police questioned him in detail about his alleged links with Arasakumar, Muthukumar and private school managements, alleged collection of “party fund” from school managements, bank accounts identified in connection with the transactions and various financial transactions.

During the investigation, the police questioned him on a case-by-case basis about the alleged events and confronted him with documentary evidence. His answers and explanations were recorded as part of his statement. The investigation continued into the evening.

Further investigation of the case is ongoing.

Published – 18 Sep 2026 22:27 IST