Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi arrested in Tamil Nadu school corruption case

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi DMK Tamil Nadu private school scam corruption investigation

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has been arrested by the Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch in connection with an alleged ₹100-crore corruption scandal. The arrest follows the Madras High Court’s dismissal of his anticipatory bail application.

Investigators allege that between 2021 and 2026, money was collected from the managements of over 1,000 private schools under the guise of party contributions. These payments were purportedly made in exchange for securing permanent recognition, school upgradations, and other statutory administrative approvals. While the initial FIR cited sums in the couple of crores, investigators have suggested the total amount involved could reach ₹400 crore.

Following his arrest, Poyyamozhi was remanded to judicial custody at Puzhal prison until November 6. The Enforcement Directorate has also launched a separate investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

DMK President M. K. Stalin and other party leaders have condemned the arrest, labeling it a “political vendetta” by the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government intended to divert attention from administrative failures. Poyyamozhi has denied the allegations and is seeking to quash the FIR.

Entities

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi · DMK · Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam · Greater Chennai Police · M. K. Stalin · Madras High Court · Tamil Nadu

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The alleged corruption case involves approximately ₹100 crore. thenews21.com · thecommunemag.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Madras High Court rejected Anbil Mahesh’s anticipatory bail application. thenews21.com · thecommunemag.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Enforcement Directorate has initiated an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). thenews21.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Money was allegedly collected from private school managements in exchange for permanent recognition and administrative approvals. thenews21.com · thecommunemag.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Investigators allege payments were collected under the pretext of party contributions. thenews21.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation identified 177 schools believed to be affected by the scheme. thecommunemag.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The DMK accused the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of targeting political opponents with investigative agencies. thecommunemag.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by the Chennai Police’s Central Crime Branch. thenews21.com · thecommunemag.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Police have invoked provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act against the former minister. thenews21.com · thecommunemag.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The case was initiated following a complaint by the secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools, Tamil Nadu. thecommunemag.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Investigators have identified 177 schools believed to be affected by the scheme. thecommunemag.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Enforcement Directorate has initiated a separate investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. thenews21.com