Chennai: The Chennai Central Crime Branch police are examining 118 documents and various digital records seized during searches conducted in connection with a case involving an alleged fraud of more than Rs 100 crore by promising to secure government approvals for private schools.
The case was registered based on a complaint alleging that money was collected from private school managements by promising to obtain permanent recognition, permission for upgradation of schools, DTCP approval and other government clearances. Three persons ā P.T. Arasakumar, Suresh and Raja ā have already been arrested in connection with the case and are in judicial custody.
As part of the investigation, and based on questioning of several persons as well as documents and electronic evidence collected during the probe, a case was registered against former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Following this, the Central Crime Branch conducted searches at nine locations on Thursday. The searches included two locations in Chennai and two in Tiruchy linked to Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, besides locations associated with his aides Valadi Karthik, Arun Prakash and Prakash.
According to the police, property documents, bank details and cheques were seized during the searches along with 118 documents related to the case. The police also seized 18 mobile phones, three laptops, eight pen drives, hard disks from two desktop computers, one tablet and an Apple iPad.
The police have issued a summons to Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi directing him to appear for questioning on Friday in connection with the case. The investigation is expected to focus on the documents and digital evidence seized during Thursday’s searches.
Meanwhile, the Central Crime Branch is examining the 118 documents and digital records to establish their relevance to the alleged transactions and the other aspects under investigation.
Sources said the police are also likely to issue summons to other persons allegedly connected with the case and question them as part of the continuing investigation.