Former DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi seeks bail in alleged ₹100-crore bribery case

Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi being escorted to a hospital for medical examination after being taken into judicial custody following his arrest by the Central Crime Branch in an alleged corruption case, in Chennai on Monday, October 26, 2026 | Photo Credit: PTI DMK leader and former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, who was arrested on Monday (October 26, 2026) in connection with a case of alleged cheating over ₹100 crore from private schools, has filed a petition seeking bail.He also challenged his arrest, alleging non-compliance with mandatory arrest procedures and reiterating that the FIR itself was registered without the prior approval required under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.He was arrested by the Chennai Central Crime Branch police in a case involving alleged financial fraud on private school administrators by promising to secure government approvals for them.In his bail petition, he alleged that the grounds of arrest were not communicated to him and that no arrest memorandum was issued. He further contended that the police had failed to comply with the procedure prescribed under Section 36 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.He argued that custodial interrogation was unnecessary in the absence of specific material warranting his detention. He submitted that the investigation could proceed without custody and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigating agency and comply with any conditions imposed by the court.He also denied being a flight risk, stating that there was no material to suggest that he would abscond, tamper with evidence, or influence witnesses. Citing his lack of criminal antecedents and his medical condition, pancreatitis, he sought bail.The bail petition will come up for hearing before the special court for cases under Prevention of Corruption Act on Thursday (October 29). Published - October 28, 2026 02:07 pm IST