Chennai: Former school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi was questioned by the Chennai Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Friday over allegations that more than ₹100 crore was collected from private school managements for govt approvals when the DMK was in power.Anbil walked into the CCB office around 10.45am and walked out more than eight hours later. He told reporters that officials asked him 246 questions and that he had answered them all. He said he had denied all the allegations.Officials said the CCB would continue to examine the seized documents, financial records, and electronic evidence to establish the role of each person connected with the case.The case was registered over a complaint alleging that private school managements were promised permanent recognition, upgradation, DTCP approval, and other govt clearances for a consideration. B T Arasakumar, who ran an unrecognised association of private schools, was arrested along with his two associates in connection with the case. After their arrests, at least 177 private schools lodged complaints, saying bribes were demanded and paid when DMK was in power.The CCB registered a case against Anbil under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act on Sept 16, and also raided his premises in Chennai and Tiruchi. Officials said they seized 118 items, including property documents, bank records, mobile phones, laptops, computers, pen drives and other electronic devices during the raids.Subsequently, Anbil was issued a summons under Section 35(3) of the BNSS requiring him to appear before the CCB for questioning.Investigators questioned him about his alleged links with Arasakumar and other accused persons, his interactions with private-school managements, the collection of money described in the investigation as “party funds”, and related bank accounts and financial transactions. Questions were also based on documents and electronic evidence seized during the searches.
