Anbil Mahesh seeks to quash school bribery case in Madras High Court

Former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi has approached the Madras High Court to quash a case registered by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB). The investigation concerns allegations that over Rs 100 crore was illegally collected from more than 1,000 private schools during the previous DMK administration in exchange for statutory clearances, including permanent recognition and DTCP or CMDA approvals.

The CCB registered the FIR on June 27 following complaints from school administrators and an association president. The investigation has included searches at nine locations, including the residence and offices of Anbil Mahesh, resulting in the seizure of over 100 documents and digital evidence. Anbil Mahesh has also filed a petition seeking exemption from producing a copy of the FIR.

In a related development, the Madras High Court quashed the detention of P. T. Arasakumar, president of the All India Private Educational Institutions Association, under the Goondas Act. Arasakumar was arrested in connection with the same bribery allegations. The court directed his release provided he is not required for other cases, following a habeas corpus petition filed by his wife which argued the charges were driven by political animosity.