The Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, conducted a search at the residence of former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi in Tiruchirappalli as part of an investigation into an alleged ₹100-crore private-school approval racket.
The search took place at the former minister’s residence in Thennur Anna Nagar. Police teams also searched other locations in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli that are believed to have been linked to the investigation.
Search Begins in Tiruchirappalli
According to The Indian Express, a five-member CCB team began the search at 7:30 a.m. on September 16. Police were in place outside the residence during the operation.
The investigation is into allegations that money was collected from private-school owners by promising to facilitate government approvals, including permanent recognition, school upgrades and building-plan clearances.
Alleged ₹100-Crore Collection
At the heart of the investigation is B T Arasakumar who was arrested earlier in connection with the case. Investigators say he had collected more than ₹100 crore from several private school operators and said he could help secure necessary approvals.
According to India Today, Arasakumar ran an unregistered organisation called the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association and claimed that his political and official connections could help schools get government clearances.
The alleged approvals, we are told, included permanent recognition, grade upgrades and other statutory permissions required by educational institutions.
Poyyamozhi's Role Under Investigation
Poyyamozhi was Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister when the alleged transactions are being investigated. The association of Arasakumar was established in December 2024 as a new entity when Poyyamozhi held the education portfolio, according to reports.
But the CCB search itself does not establish that Poyyamozhi was involved in collecting money or approving illegal payments. His residence was searched as part of the wider investigation, and the allegations are now subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Investigation Expands
The CCB’s investigation has been expanded now after private school owners' complaints. It is looking at financial transactions, correspondence and documents that could shed light on how the alleged approval network operates.
But the case had already attracted judicial attention, with the CCB receiving a large number of complaints related to the alleged school-recognition racket.
