The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of Chennai Police has officially charged former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh in a high-profile ₹100-crore bribery case, marking a significant development in one of the state's most prominent corruption probes.
Mahesh, who held the School Education portfolio in the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government, was summoned by the CCB after a series of raids were conducted at multiple locations linked to him and his associates. The enforcement action followed months of investigation into allegations that public office was used to extract illicit payments.
Under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, Mahesh has been formally charged with criminal conspiracy and acceptance of illegal gratification. The CCB stated that evidence collected during the searches supported the allegation that bribes were demanded and received in connection with official duties and favours in the education department.
The probe also examined financial transactions and communications allegedly linking Mahesh to intermediaries who facilitated the exchange. Investigators traced several bank accounts and digital records that they said corroborated the timeline of the alleged offences.
Senior law enforcement sources told reporters that the case had been building for some time, with the CCB registering the initial complaint after receiving specific information about the alleged bribery scheme. Surveillance and forensic audits were carried out before the charges were finalized.
Mahesh's legal team has not yet issued a public statement on the charges. However, it is expected that he will challenge the framing of charges in court, as is standard procedure in such cases. Legal experts note that the Prevention of Corruption Act carries stringent penalties, including imprisonment and heavy fines, if the charges are ultimately proved.
The case has drawn attention across Tamil Nadu's political landscape, with opposition parties accusing the ruling administration of selective justice while allies of Mahesh have called the probe politically motivated.
The CCB has said it will continue to pursue additional accused persons who may be identified during further investigation.
