On 16th September (Wednesday), the Central Crime Branch (CCB) raided former Tamil Nadu school education minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s residence in Tiruchirappalli in connection with a Rs 100-crore private school scam. A five-person team executed the operation at Thennur Anna Nagar of Tiruchi.
Trichy, Tamil Nadu: Central Crime Branch police conduct raids at the residence of former Minister Anbil Mahesh in connection with allegations that bribes were received for granting permission to private schools pic.twitter.com/k7oMp1rBS1
— IANS (@ians_india) September 16, 2026
The search, which unfolded at 7:30 am, is part of a broader investigation that revolves around charges of significant amounts of money that were obtained from private school administrations in exchange for government permissions and clearances. CCB targeted 6 locations connected to Anbil. Many DMK members gathered outside his house while the action was underway.
BREAKING || Former Tamil Nadu Minister Anbil Mahesh faces CCB raids.
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 16, 2026
– CCB raids 6 locations linked to Anbil Mahesh
– Raids after alleged bribe complaints over licences
– Anbil served as the School Education Minister in the DMK govt
– Alleged irregularities in licence…
To acquire evidence, simultaneous searches were carried out at numerous associated locations in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. According to police, the multi-city investigation to track the illegal revenue trails tied to the racket is currently in progress.
In June, BT Arasakumar, another DMK leader, was nabbed by the CCB in relation to the case. According to authorities, more than Rs 100 crore was taken from multiple school administrations by offering help in securing approvals, such as recognition and other authorisations.
Arasakumar asserted to be able to use his official and political contacts to facilitate private school licenses through the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, an unregistered organisation. These included nods from several government bodies, grade upgrades and permanent recognition. The police invoked the Goondas Act after his arrest.
Senior representatives of the School Education Department and then-Minister of Education Anbil Mahesh attended the association’s December 2024 launch. Since then, the CCB’s probe has intensified as a result of multiple complaints from private school managements.
Anbil served as a two-term MLA from Thiruverumbur and was in charge of the School Education portfolio under the previous DMK government. However, he lost the 2026 state assembly elections. According to authorities, the action is aimed at reviewing papers and verifying transactions pertaining to private school management bodies.
