Chennai: Former school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was questioned by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Friday over allegations that more than ₹100 crore was collected from private school managements for govt approvals when the DMK was in power.
After their arrests, at least 177 private schools lodged complaints, saying bribes were demanded and paid when DMK was in power. The case was registered over a complaint alleging that private school managements were promised permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP approval, and other govt clearances for a consideration. B T Arasakumar, who ran an unrecognised association of private schools, was arrested along with his two associates in connection with the case.
Investigators questioned him about his alleged links with Arasakumar and other accused persons, his interactions with private-school managements, the collection of money described in the investigation as “party funds”, and related bank accounts and financial transactions. Questions were also based on documents and electronic evidence seized during the searches.