Former Tamil Nadu Minister Anbil Mahesh Arrested in School Approvals Scam

Former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested on October 26, 2026, by the Chennai Central Crime Branch police. The arrest stems from an alleged Rs 100-crore private school approvals and recognition scam, triggering a intense political confrontation between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).

According to investigators, the case originated from a complaint filed by D.C. Elangovan, secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools of Tamil Nadu. The complaint alleged that individuals posing as association representatives collected over Rs 100 crore from private school managements. The funds were reportedly gathered under the guise of party funds in exchange for securing government approvals, permanent recognition, upgrade permissions, and Directorate of Town and Country Planning clearances.

Police previously arrested three intermediaries identified as B.T. Arasakumar, Suresh, and Raja in connection with the fraudulent scheme. Subsequent interrogations and digital evidence pointed toward the involvement of the former minister and several close associates. Law enforcement agencies subsequently raided properties and offices linked to Mahesh and his aides across Trichy, Chennai, and Kallakurichi districts, seizing vital documents and electronic devices.

The arrest followed the Madras High Court's decision to dismiss Mahesh's anticipatory bail plea on Monday. Justice V. Narayanan rejected the petition, removing legal protection against detention and clearing the path for the Central Crime Branch to take action against the former minister in the Aminjikarai area of Chennai.

Following his apprehension, police transported Mahesh to the Greater Chennai Police Commissionerate in Vepery for preliminary questioning. Authorities stated that he would be presented before a court for judicial remand as investigations into the multi-million-rupee scandal continue.

The high-profile arrest has escalated tensions in regional politics, drawing sharp reactions from major parties. Vijay’s TVK launched a scathing attack on the DMK, branding the ruling party as corruption-soaked and questioning its moral authority. TVK representatives argued that a political organization facing corruption allegations across multiple departments cannot claim high ethical standards or deflect public scrutiny.

In response, former Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin strongly condemned the arrest, characterizing it as an act of political vendetta. Stalin asserted that Mahesh had cooperated fully with the investigation and maintained that the legal allegations would be fought lawfully. Furthermore, Stalin claimed that the government utilized the arrest to divert public attention from deteriorating law and order and widespread administrative failures.