Full Breakdown
Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi’s Custody Hearing in the Rs 100 crore Private-School Recognition Case
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In this breakdown
01
Core Event: Court Defers Decision on Police Custody
On October 30, 2026, a special court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Chennai reserved its order on a petition filed by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) seeking five days of police custody for former school-education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. Judge L.S. Sathyamoorthy adjourned the matter to November 2, directing Mahesh’s production at 11 a.m. Mahesh was arrested on October 26 after the Madras High Court denied his anticipatory bail.
02
Background & Context
The petition relates to an alleged Rs 100 crore “private-schools recognition cheating” case. Investigators say money was collected from private schools in exchange for extending permanent recognition from three to twenty years. Former DMK MLA Muthukumar is identified as a key accused (A2) and is alleged to have been absconding during parts of the investigation.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Alleged illicit proceeds: Rs 100 crore.
- Mahesh was questioned for eight hours on September 18 after property searches on September 16.
- Reported weight loss in custody: roughly 4 kg.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- Central Crime Branch: Argues custodial interrogation is needed to trace the alleged money trail, examine assets and clarify Muthukumar’s role.
- Special Public Prosecutor Usha Rani: Assured the court that medical care would be provided and requested time to consider Mahesh’s request for home-cooked food.
- Senior Advocate Abudukumar Rajarathinam (defence): Stated Mahesh had already cooperated, answering over 200 queries and forwarding schools’ representations, and cannot be implicated for a collective policy decision.
- Judge L.S. Sathyamoorthy: Queried investigating officer Senthil on the necessity of further custodial interrogation and ordered Mahesh’s production on November 2.
05
Criticism & Opposition
Counsel Saravanan Annadurai alleged violations of Mahesh’s rights, citing a CCTV camera outside his cell, lights left on all night and food not meeting court-directed dietary requirements, which he says contributed to the 4 kg weight loss. Annadurai compared Mahesh’s treatment to that of Ajmal Kasab, claiming it “lacks basic humanity.”
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The CCB petition seeks five days of police custody, while the Madras High Court earlier granted three days.
- The prosecution pledged “appropriate medical care,” yet Mahesh’s team says prescribed medicines have not been provided.
07
Verbatim Quotes
- “He answered more than 200 questions and furnished documents sought by the investigating officers,” — Abudukumar Rajarathinam, senior advocate
08
What’s Next
- November 2: The special court will hear the pending custody petition and any bail applications.
- November 12: Former MLA Muthukumar is scheduled to remain in judicial custody until this date.
- The CCB may seek a response to Mahesh’s request for home-cooked food and could file a counter-petition on the bail plea.