Former Tamil Nadu minister Mahesh told a special court that he was not physically or mentally harassed during police questioning in a bribery case involving allegations that up to Rs 400 crore was collected to secure permanent recognition for private schools. The court subsequently ordered that he remain in custody until November 6.
Mahesh had been arrested in the case and was questioned by the Central Crime Branch under a court order. The police custody began on November 2 and ended at 5 pm on November 4, according to the report. The questioning was conducted as part of the investigation into allegations that money was taken to obtain permanent recognition for private educational institutions.
After the police custody period ended, Mahesh was taken to Chennai Government General Hospital for a medical examination in accordance with procedure. He was then produced before the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Chennai.
During the court appearance, Special Court judge Sathyamurthy asked Mahesh whether the police had subjected him to any physical or mental harassment during the investigation. The judge also asked whether he had been provided food properly while in custody. Mahesh told the court that he had not faced any harassment and that food had been provided properly.
The court’s questions formed part of the judicial review of the conditions in which the accused was held during police custody. Such questioning takes place when an accused is produced before court after an investigation agency’s custodial interrogation period. The report did not mention any allegation of misconduct by the police after Mahesh’s response before the court.
The case centres on allegations involving the process for granting permanent recognition to private schools. Recognition determines whether an institution is authorised to operate under the applicable education administration framework, making the alleged demand for money a matter involving public administration and regulatory oversight. The report did not provide details of the number of schools allegedly involved, the stage of the wider investigation, or the specific sections of law invoked in the case.
After recording Mahesh’s response, Judge Sathyamurthy ordered that he be lodged in prison until November 6. Police later took him under security to the prison. The next stated judicial milestone is his continued custody until the date specified in the court order.
