The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) has informed the Madras High Court that it has received 177 complaints in a case involving allegations of financial irregularities in securing government approvals for private schools. The police have opposed former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s plea seeking to quash the case, stating that a stay on the investigation could seriously affect the proceedings.

Alleged ₹100 Crore Private School Scam

According to the police, the case concerns allegations that more than ₹100 crore was collected from private school managements by promising permanent recognition, school upgradation, DTCP and CMDA approvals, and other statutory clearances.

The complaint reportedly alleged that more than 1,000 private schools were approached during the previous DMK government’s tenure. The allegations are under investigation, and they have not been established in court.

CCB Rejects Allegations Against the Investigation

In its counter-affidavit before the High Court, the CCB reportedly disputed the claim that the case had been registered after an unexplained delay of four years. The police stated that a complaint was received on June 23 and that the case was registered on June 27.

The police further stated that the investigation allegedly revealed that money had been collected from private school administrators in the name of party funds. Based on the findings, the former minister was also named in the case.

The CCB maintained that the investigation was being conducted with the required departmental approval and argued that the accused person’s role could be assessed after the investigation was completed and a final report was filed.

Anbil Mahesh Seeks to Quash the Case

Anbil Mahesh has approached the Madras High Court seeking to quash the case registered against him. His legal team has raised questions about the approval required to register the case and sought interim relief.

The police have denied allegations that private schools were threatened to obtain statements and have urged the court to dismiss his petition.

Madras High Court Adjourns Hearing

During the hearing, Justice V. Lakshminarayanan reportedly questioned the arguments concerning the need for the Governor’s approval, referring to similar cases registered against ministers during the previous government.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 29, accepting the request from the former minister’s side for additional time.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Anbil Mahesh remain subject to judicial proceedings.