ED Probes Alleged Rs 100 Crore School Recognition Fraud Involving Former TN Minister Anbil Mahesh

The investigation follows a case registered by the Chennai Central Crime Branch against former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh and several others. The ED has obtained documents related to the police case and is examining the financial transactions allegedly associated with the scheme.

According to the allegations, money was collected from private schools after assurances that they would receive permanent recognition from the authorities. The suspected fraud is estimated at around Rs 100 crore.

The Crime Branch has arrested DMK leader Arasakumar and three of his relatives in connection with the case. Anbil Mahesh has also been named in the police case.

As part of its investigation, the Crime Branch searched premises linked to the former minister and subsequently summoned him for questioning regarding the alleged transactions and promises made to private schools.

Investigators are also looking for former DMK legislator Muthukumar in connection with the case. Details regarding his alleged role in the suspected scheme have not been disclosed.

With the ED taking up the financial aspects of the matter, the agency is examining records obtained from the Crime Branch to determine whether unlawful transactions took place in connection with the alleged collection of money from schools.

The agency is also considering searches at premises linked to Anbil Mahesh and Arasakumar as part of its investigation. No details of any completed ED searches have been provided so far.

The arrests, searches and questioning conducted by the police are part of an ongoing investigation. The allegations against Anbil Mahesh, Arasakumar and others named in the case have not been established by a court.

The police investigation is continuing, with further details awaited on the number of schools allegedly affected, the period during which the suspected collections took place and the specific charges invoked in the case. Responses from Anbil Mahesh, Arasakumar and the other individuals named in the investigation were not available.