Former Tamil Nadu school education minister Mahesh was questioned for about eight hours by the Chennai Central Crime Branch in a case alleging irregularities in the grant of permanent recognition and construction approvals to private schools, according to a report by Dinamalar.
Mahesh appeared before the investigating agency at 10.52 am after receiving a summons. The questioning continued until 7 pm and was conducted by a team led by Central Crime Branch Deputy Commissioner Sujatha, along with an Assistant Commissioner and an inspector.
The case concerns allegations that irregularities worth more than Rs 100 crore took place during the processing of permanent recognition for private schools and approvals connected with construction. The allegations relate to the period when Mahesh was the School Education Minister in the DMK government.
The Central Crime Branch has arrested two people in connection with the case, including Arasakumar, identified in the report as the president of a private schools association. Police also searched premises linked to those accused and seized documents, according to the report. Based on the material gathered during the investigation, a case was registered against Mahesh under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Searches were conducted on September 16 at nine locations, including Mahesh’s residence and office, as well as the residences and offices of his assistants. Investigators seized 118 documents, including property records and bank details, the report said.
Police had prepared 295 questions based on the seized documents and other material for the former minister. However, as the questioning extended into the evening, investigators recorded answers to 246 questions. The remaining questions are expected to be put to him during a subsequent round of questioning.
After leaving the Central Crime Branch office, Mahesh said he had answered all 246 questions patiently and that his responses had been recorded. He also said he would appear for questioning whenever summoned. According to his account, the 118 seized documents included achievement books of the School Education Department and books submitted in the Legislative Assembly during his period as minister.
Mahesh further said that investigators may question him about a pen drive during the next round of questioning. He described the case as false, while the investigation remains ongoing. The report did not include a separate response from the Central Crime Branch to his allegations.
The next stage of the inquiry is expected to involve the unanswered questions and the examination of documents and digital material seized during the searches. The police are yet to disclose a final finding in the case.
