CCB Searches Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh’s Premises in Rs 100-Crore Private School Fraud Case

The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, conducted simultaneous searches at premises linked to former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore private school approval fraud case.

According to police, searches were carried out at six locations in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. Four of the premises were linked to Anbil Mahesh, while two were associated with his aide Valadi Karthik. The investigation concerns allegations that large sums were collected from private school managements by promising government approvals and other regulatory clearances.

The searches form part of an investigation that began following a complaint from the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu.

CCB Conducts Searches in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli

The searches began early Wednesday morning and covered residences and other premises connected to the former minister and his aide.

Reports said the operation included Anbil Mahesh's residence in Tiruchirappalli, as well as locations in Chennai. Investigators examined documents and electronic material potentially connected with the alleged transactions.

Police said they seized private-school approval files, representations submitted to government offices, financial records, mobile phones, computers, hard drives and other documents during the searches. The material will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

What Is the Rs 100-Crore Private School Fraud Case?

The case originated from allegations made by private school associations that school managements were allegedly induced to pay money on promises of securing various government approvals.

These allegedly included permanent recognition, school upgradation, Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) clearances and other approvals from government departments.

Police allege that more than Rs 100 crore was collected from several school managements in connection with such promises.

The investigation is continuing, and the alleged amount and role of individual accused persons remain subject to the findings of the criminal investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

B T Arasakumar Arrested Earlier

The investigation expanded following the arrest of B T Arasakumar, a 59-year-old resident of Saligramam.

The CCB arrested Arasakumar on June 27 and alleged that he had collected more than Rs 100 crore from private school managements by claiming that he could help secure government permissions and approvals.

According to police allegations, Arasakumar operated an unregistered organisation called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and represented that he could facilitate approvals through political and official connections. These claims are part of the investigation and have not been established as facts by a court.

Investigation Covers 177 Private Schools

The scope of the investigation has expanded considerably since the initial complaint.

Police said investigators have so far examined 177 private schools that were allegedly affected by the scheme. More than 250 people, including officials associated with the School Education Department, have reportedly been questioned.

Investigators have also collected government records, financial documents and electronic evidence to establish how the alleged transactions were carried out and whether officials or other individuals were involved.

Why Anbil Mahesh Is Under Investigation

Police said their investigation into Anbil Mahesh's role is based on statements, departmental records, financial transactions and electronic evidence collected during the wider probe.

The former minister was heading the School Education Department during the period in which the alleged transactions took place. The CCB has registered a case against him under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, according to the police.

The registration of a case and conduct of searches are investigative steps and do not by themselves establish criminal liability.

Searches Also Target Aide Valadi Karthik

Two of the six locations searched on Wednesday were associated with Anbil Mahesh's aide Valadi Karthik.

Investigators are examining documentary and financial links between people named in the case as they try to establish the flow of money and the alleged process through which private schools were approached and approvals were promised.

The CCB has said further verification of the seized evidence is underway.

Police Examine Bank Accounts and Financial Transactions

Financial transactions form a significant part of the investigation.

Police have identified and frozen bank accounts linked to accused persons and their associates. According to reports, 20 accounts connected with Arasakumar and his family and 29 accounts linked to another accused, Muthukumar, were being examined.

Investigators are expected to compare these transactions with the documents and statements collected from private school managements and government offices.

Documents and Electronic Devices Seized

During Wednesday's searches, investigators seized a range of documentary and digital material.

The seized items reportedly include:

• Private school approval files

• Representations submitted to government departments

• Financial records

• Mobile phones

• Computers

• Hard drives

• Other electronic evidence

The CCB is examining the material to determine whether it supports the allegations and to establish the roles of individuals under investigation.

DMK Workers Gather Outside Anbil Mahesh’s Residence

As the search continued at Anbil Mahesh's Tiruchirappalli residence, several DMK workers gathered outside the premises, according to reports.

The searches have consequently attracted political attention in Tamil Nadu, particularly because the investigation involves a former minister and senior DMK leader.

The criminal investigation itself remains with the CCB, which is examining documentary, financial and electronic evidence.

Political Reactions to the Searches

The searches have also triggered political reactions from the DMK leadership.

DMK president M K Stalin criticised the action, describing the raids as politically motivated and alleging that the government was attempting to divert attention from other issues. These are political allegations made by Stalin and have not been independently established by the investigation or court.

The government and investigating authorities, meanwhile, have proceeded with the searches as part of the criminal investigation.

Anbil Mahesh’s Earlier Ministerial Role

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi served as Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister after the DMK came to power in 2021.

The CCB is examining events that allegedly occurred during his tenure in the department. Investigators are particularly looking into whether official processes relating to private school recognition, upgrades and other approvals were improperly influenced or connected to the alleged collection of money.

The precise role, if any, of individual officials or political figures will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

What Happens Next in the Case?

The CCB is expected to continue examining the documents, financial records and electronic devices seized during the searches.

Investigators will also continue questioning people connected with the alleged transactions and examining records from the School Education Department and private schools.

Further legal action will depend on the evidence gathered during the investigation and subsequent decisions by the investigating agency and courts.

Key Developments in the Private School Fraud Case

The major developments so far include:

• A complaint was filed by the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu.

• The CCB arrested B T Arasakumar on June 27.

• Police allege that more than Rs 100 crore was collected from private school managements.

• Investigators have examined 177 affected private schools.

• More than 250 people, including School Education Department personnel, have reportedly been questioned.

• Bank accounts linked to accused persons and associates have been examined or frozen.

• The CCB has registered a case against Anbil Mahesh under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

• Six locations linked to Anbil Mahesh and his aide Valadi Karthik were searched on September 16.

• Investigators seized documents, financial records and electronic devices for further verification.

Bottom Line

The Chennai Central Crime Branch has conducted searches at six premises linked to former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister and DMK leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and his aide in connection with an alleged Rs 100-crore private school approval fraud case.

Police say the investigation concerns allegations that private school managements were promised government approvals, permanent recognition, upgrades and other clearances in exchange for money. The probe has expanded to 177 private schools and more than 250 people have reportedly been questioned.

The CCB has registered a case against Anbil Mahesh under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and seized documents, financial records and electronic devices. The investigation is ongoing, and allegations against the individuals involved remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.