Full Breakdown
Former Tamil Nadu Education Minister’s Residences Raided in Multi-Crore School-Approval Probe
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Core Event
On September 16, 2026, a five-member team from the Central Crime Branch (CCB), Chennai City, conducted simultaneous searches at the Tiruchirappalli residence of former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and at linked premises in Chennai. Police began the Tiruchirappalli raid at approximately 7:30 a.m. in the Thennur Anna Nagar neighbourhood, while supporters of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) gathered outside the house.
Background & Context
The raids are part of a probe into an alleged INR100 crore fraud in which private schools are said to have paid large sums for government approvals, permanent recognition, and building-plan clearances during the previous DMK administration when Poyyamozhi held the education portfolio. Earlier, the CCB registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act after gathering witness statements, documents and electronic evidence. The investigation also linked the former minister’s aide Valadi Karthik to the alleged scheme.
Official Statements & Responses
Police officials confirmed that the multi-city operation aims to inspect documents and trace financial trails tied to private-school management bodies. The CCB’s case filing cites the alleged collection of INR100 crore from school operators, a figure first reported in the arrest of B.T. Arasakumar, who ran the unregistered Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and is accused of collecting the same amount. The department emphasized that the inquiry remains ongoing and that evidence will be examined in accordance with the law.
Criticism & Opposition
DMK chief M.K. Stalin condemned the searches as a “political vendetta” by the TVK-led government, alleging that the raids are intended to divert public attention from other state issues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ignoring all these issues that are shaking the State, the Chief Minister [C. Joseph Vijay] is conducting a shoot in London. In frustration over its inability to resolve these issues, the incompetent TVK government has unleashed raids as a weapon against former Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi to divert the people’s attention,” — Mr. Stalin, tamil nadu chief — M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu chief