In the wake of a sprawling Rs 100‑crore scheme that escalated to an estimated Rs 400 crore, private school principals across Tamil Nadu were allegedly paid bribes to secure government approvals and permanent recognition during the 2021‑2026 DMK regime. The complaint, lodged by the general secretary of the private schools association, led to the arrest of DMK functionary Arasa Kumar and a dozen others, setting the stage for the high‑profile probe.
Justice V Lakshminarayanan, presiding over the Madras High Court, rejected Anbil Mahesh’s anticipatory bail petition, arguing that granting bail at this juncture would “paralyse the investigation.” He cited the minister’s alleged shielding of co‑accused Muthukumar, who remains at large, and warned that Mahesh’s political clout could tamper with witnesses and evidence. Despite the former minister’s cooperation—he appeared for questioning and answered 240 questions—the court held that such cooperation did not override the need for stringent scrutiny in a case involving large‑scale corruption.
Senior counsel P Wilson, arguing on behalf of Mahesh, maintained that the evidence was largely documentary and that the defendant was not a flight risk. He also challenged the Central Crime Branch’s jurisdiction, insisting the case should be transferred to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption. The court dismissed these objections, noting that DVAC does not hold exclusive authority over corruption investigations and that the matter remained within the purview of the Central Crime Branch.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness of the allegations, with 177 victims having recorded statements and the prosecution asserting that the money trail amounts to roughly Rs 400 crore. The government has vowed to pursue the case aggressively, and a hearing is scheduled for June 5 to consider any additional bail petitions and to determine whether to proceed with formal charges.
While the legal battle unfolds, a principal from a Chennai private school, who had been part of the 177 victims, described how the scheme promised rapid recognition in exchange for cash, a detail that has now been documented by the investigators. The case marks the first high‑profile political arrest since the Tamil Maanila Congress came into power, signalling a potential shift in how corruption cases involving former ministers are handled.