Chennai, Sept 19:
Former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was questioned for more than eight hours by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Friday in connection with a case relating to alleged collection of money from private-school managements by promising government approvals and clearances.
Poyyamozhi, a DMK leader, appeared before the CCB at the Chennai Police Commissionerate in Vepery around 10.30 am, accompanied by his advocates. The questioning continued until the evening, with investigators recording his responses as part of the ongoing probe.
The case was registered following allegations that money was collected from private schools by promising permanent recognition, school upgradation, DTCP approvals and other government clearances. Police have received 177 complaints, with the alleged collections estimated at more than Rs 100 crore. BT Arasakumar and two others have been arrested in connection with the case.
The CCB has booked Poyyamozhi under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. On September 16, police conducted searches at nine locations in Chennai and Tiruchy linked to the former minister and others. Investigators seized property documents, bank records, mobile phones, laptops, computers, pen drives and other electronic devices.