COIMBATORE: BJP state general secretary A P Muruganandam has demanded a thorough probe into an alleged Rs 100crore corruption case involving former Tamil Nadu school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and called for the seizure of assets accumulated in the names of Mahesh and his alleged benamis.In a statement on Tuesday, Muruganandam alleged that corruption in the school education department had brought disrepute to the state. He said it involved issuing new licences and renewing recognition for private schools in exchange of bribes.Muruganandam said private schools should meet safety and infrastructure norms, including structurally sound buildings, fire safety measures, proper ventilation and playground facilities. He alleged that approvals were granted to ineligible schools for bribes, risking the safety of students.He added that private schools passed on bribery costs to parents through fees and other charges. He called the alleged Rs 100 crore corruption exploitation of poor and middle-class families. He asked whether such a large-scale scam could have occurred without the knowledge or involvement of senior political leaders, IAS officers and intermediaries.Muruganandam sought referral of the case to the Enforcement Directorate and other central agencies to investigate the alleged movement of illegal funds.
