BJP State general secretary A.P. Muruganandam has demanded the seizure of assets allegedly accumulated by former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and his benamis, following the former Minister’s arrest in an alleged ₹100-crore corruption case involving the grant and renewal of licences for private schools. Mr. Poyyamozhi is in judicial remand.
In a statement, Mr. Muruganandam alleged that licences had been granted to private schools that did not meet basic infrastructure and safety requirements, in return for bribes. He said the alleged corruption compromised student safety and placed an indirect financial burden on parents, as schools could recover the money paid as bribes through fees.
He called for a comprehensive investigation to identify the alleged involvement of senior political leaders, IAS officers and intermediaries. He also urged the Chennai Central Crime Branch police to conduct an impartial investigation without political pressure and file a strong chargesheet.
Seeking a probe by the Enforcement Directorate and central investigative agencies into the alleged illegal transfer of ₹100 crore, he called for the movable and immovable assets of Mr. Poyyamozhi and his benamis to be frozen and confiscated.
He also demanded an independent review by a panel of experts of all private schools that received licences or recognition during Mr. Poyyamozhi’s tenure to assess their compliance with student safety requirements.
Published - October 27, 2026 06:56 pm IST