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Updated - October 29, 2026 04:45 pm IST - CHENNAI

Former MLA Muthukumar, co-accused in the private schools bribery case | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A special court in Chennai on Thursday (October 29, 2026) remanded until November 12, former MLA Muthukumar, a co-accused who surrendered in the alleged bribery linked to school approvals during the tenure of former School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi (DMK).

The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Greater Chennai City Police registered the case following allegations that crores of rupees were collected during the previous DMK regime in exchange for granting recognition and other approvals to private schools. The police have claimed to have evidence of the irregularities.

The prime accused in the case, B.T. Arasakumar, was arrested and remained in prison for more than 90 days before securing conditional bail. Mr. Poyyamozhi was arrested on October 26 and remanded in judicial custody.

Mr. Muthukumar, considered a key player in the alleged scam and a close associate of Mr. Poyyamozhi, had been absconding. He was elected an MLA from the DMDK and later joined the DMK. The Supreme Court on Wednesday (October 28) dismissed his anticipatory bail petition, following which he surrendered before Judge L.S. Sathyamurthy of the Special Court for Prevention of Corruption Act cases in Chennai on Thursday morning.

During the proceedings, his counsel sought first-class facilities in prison, submitting that Muthukumar was an income-tax assessee and was entitled to such privileges. Accepting the plea, the judge directed the prison authorities to provide him with first-class accommodation and medical assistance, if required.

Meanwhile, the same court directed the CCB police to file their response to the bail petition moved by Mr. Poyyamozhi, who is lodged in Puzhal Central Prison.

The CCB police filed a separate petition seeking five days of police custody to interrogate him. The police said they needed to question the former Minister about his alleged links with Mr. Muthukumar, the identities of those who paid money and the amounts collected from each of them. They also sought to establish the role of other alleged intermediaries and trace the money trail.

The bail petition came up for hearing before Judge Sathyamurthy on Thursday. The police sought time to file their response, following which the judge adjourned the hearing to Monday (November 2).

The court also adjourned to Monday the hearing on a separate petition filed by Mr. Poyyamozhi seeking the return of electronic devices seized during searches at his residence.

Published - October 29, 2026 04:12 pm IST

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