Former Tamil Nadu minister arrested in school approvals case

Former Tamil Nadu school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was arrested by Chennai police on October 26 after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory-bail petition in a case involving alleged payments for private-school approvals and recognition. The Central Crime Branch of the Greater Chennai Police is investigating claims that private-school managements paid money described as party funds in return for government clearances, including permanent recognition and permission to upgrade schools. The alleged payments and Poyyamozhi’s role have not been established in court, and the investigation is ongoing. Police sources estimate the alleged collections could exceed ₹100 crore. Investigators have examined allegations involving 177 private schools and are probing whether payments extended to other institutions, according to reports citing police sources. The estimate and school count are investigative figures, not a final accounting. The case followed a complaint by representatives of private-school associations. Complainants alleged that school managements were promised approvals and other permissions but that some clearances were not secured and payments were...