Chennai, Sept 17:
Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has been summoned to appear before the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on September 18 for an inquiry following searches at his premises in Chennai and Tiruchy in connection with an alleged private-school approvals fraud case.
The CCB conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Anbil Mahesh on Wednesday. The operation at his residence in Tiruchy lasted nearly eight hours. Police sources said the searches were part of an investigation into allegations that private school managements were cheated by promising government approvals, including permanent recognition, school upgrades and building-plan permissions.
The case had earlier led to the arrest of B.T. Arasakumar, who allegedly collected large sums from private schools by claiming that he could facilitate government approvals. The investigation has since expanded, with police examining financial transactions and the possible involvement of others. Reports said the CCB has received 177 complaints in connection with the case.
Anbil Mahesh said after the search that he had cooperated fully with the officials and allowed them to search the premises. He said the CCB had asked him to appear for questioning on September 18. He also alleged that the action was politically motivated and linked it to his recent criticism of the government and campaigning in the Dharapuram bypoll.
The allegations and the former minister’s response remain part of the ongoing investigation. A search of a person’s premises does not by itself establish wrongdoing, and the CCB’s inquiry is expected to examine the evidence and determine the role, if any, of those under investigation.