Two more held in ₹100-crore private schools approval scam

Representational image | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES The Central Crime Branch on Thursday arrested two more persons in connection with an alleged scam in which private schools across the State were cheated of ₹100 crore on the promise of government approvals.The accused were identified as Arokiyaraj, alias Raja, 39, of Madurai, and Suresh, 49, of Tiruchi.The police said the duo, who are relatives of the prime accused, B.T. Arasakumar, allegedly assisted him in collecting money from the private school managements, despite having no connection with the schools.The case was registered based on a complaint by T.C. Elangovan, Secretary of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu. The complainant had alleged that Arasakumar and his associates had collected ₹100 crore from the private school managements, promising them permanent recognition, school upgradation, DTCP and CMDA approvals, and other statutory clearances, but failed to secure the promised approvals or return their money. Published - July 24, 2026 02:36 am IST