Crime Branch Searches Ex-Minister Anbil Mahesh's House In School Fraud Case

A team from the Central Crime Branch of the Chennai City Police began a search at the residence of former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in Tiruchi on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged multi-crore fraud involving private schools. The search is connected to allegations of financial transactions involving private school managements during the previous DMK regime, when Mr. Poyyamozhi held the School Education portfolio. The operation marks a significant development in the investigation, which had earlier led to the registration of a criminal case and the arrest of a person allegedly linked to the collection of large sums of money from school authorities.

The five-member Central Crime Branch team from Chennai City commenced the search at approximately 7:30 a.m. at Mr. Poyyamozhi’s residence in Thennur Anna Nagar, Tiruchi. Police personnel were seen outside the house as the operation got underway. The search was being conducted in connection with the alleged fraud case, although the specific documents, electronic devices or other materials being sought by investigators had not been disclosed at the time of the report. The operation is part of the investigative process intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial dealings and determine the possible involvement of individuals connected to the case.

The Central Crime Branch had earlier registered a case over allegations that substantial amounts of money were collected from private school managements. According to the information available, the total amount involved in the alleged transactions is estimated to be around ₹100 crore. The allegations concern the collection of money from school authorities, and investigators are examining how the funds were allegedly obtained, handled and distributed. The case has drawn attention because of the scale of the alleged financial irregularities and its reported connection to activities during the earlier period when the School Education Department was headed by Mr. Poyyamozhi.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Secretariat Plan Puts Coastal Ecology And Fisherfolk Livelihoods Under Spotlight

In an earlier development in the same investigation, the Central Crime Branch arrested B.T. Arasakumar on charges relating to the alleged collection of large sums from private school managements. His arrest formed part of the police action following the registration of the case. Investigators are understood to be examining the statements and financial details connected with the alleged transactions to determine the wider network of people involved. The reported figure of approximately ₹100 crore highlights the scale of the allegations, though the precise amount and the role of each individual remain matters for the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

The search at the former Minister’s residence is expected to help investigators examine whether any records or other material relevant to the case are available at the premises. However, details about the outcome of the search, including whether any documents or devices were seized, were not immediately available. The Central Crime Branch has not, in the information provided, publicly detailed the specific allegations against Mr. Poyyamozhi or clarified the precise nature of the material being sought from his residence. The search itself should therefore be viewed as part of an ongoing inquiry rather than evidence that the allegations have been established.

The investigation continues as police work to establish the full circumstances of the alleged fraud involving private schools and the reported collection of funds amounting to around ₹100 crore. Further developments are likely to depend on the findings of the searches, the examination of financial records and statements from those connected with the case. The allegations remain subject to investigation and due legal process, and any responsibility or criminal liability will have to be determined through the appropriate judicial proceedings.

Also Read: US Readies $2.8 Billion Arms Package For Israel Including 40,000 Heavy Bombs, Report Says