Messi event row: Police conduct search at Reporter TV office in Kochi

On Wednesday morning, a team of Central Crime Branch investigators from Chennai City commenced a search at the Tiruchi residence of former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The probe centers on allegations of a multi-crore fraud related to private schools during his tenure under the previous DMK government.

The five-person police squad entered Poyyamozhi's residence in Thennur Anna Nagar around 7:30 am, with additional officers stationed outside the property. Simultaneously, searches were conducted at six other locations connected to the former minister, both in Chennai and Tiruchi.

According to police sources, the investigation revolves around accusations that substantial amounts of money were extracted from private-school management bodies in exchange for assurances of obtaining official clearances. These clearances encompassed school upgrades, permanent recognition, and approvals for building plans.

The Central Crime Branch had previously registered a case against B T Arasakumar, who is alleged to have amassed around Rs 100 crore from private-school management entities. It was discovered that Arasakumar had managed an unregistered entity named the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association.

Poyyamozhi served as the School Education minister when the purported transactions reportedly occurred. The former DMK leader was barred from entering Poyyamozhi's residence while the search was ongoing.