Chennai's Central Crime Branch (CCB) has frozen 29 bank accounts belonging to former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA Muthukumar as part of a widening investigation into an alleged ₹100-crore bribery case involving private schools in Tamil Nadu. Investigators have reportedly seized ₹4.5 crore from accounts associated with Muthukumar, who also serves as the state treasurer of a private schools' association.

Key Developments in the Investigation

Alongside the action against Muthukumar, investigators have frozen 20 bank accounts linked to another DMK leader, Arasakumar, which reportedly contain a total of ₹4 lakh. The Central Crime Branch registered a case against Anbil Mahesh, Arasakumar, and Muthukumar, and has been examining their alleged involvement in the collection of money from private educational institutions across the state.

The financial scrutiny is designed to trace the movement of funds and determine whether transactions involving the accused are connected to the alleged bribery scheme. Investigators are also reportedly examining bank accounts belonging to former school education minister Anbil Mahesh; depending on findings, they could move to freeze his accounts as well, though no such action has been confirmed as yet.

Accused in Custody

Anbil Mahesh, who served as school education minister in the DMK government, was arrested in connection with the case and is currently lodged at Puzhal Central Prison. Muthukumar, who had allegedly been evading arrest for a period, surrendered before a special court in Chennai on 28 October 2026. The court remanded him in judicial custody until 12 November — Thursday — with any extension requiring a further court order.

Scale of the Allegations

The overarching allegation concerns the collection of substantial sums from private schools as bribes, with the total amount under investigation pegged at ₹100 crore. It is important to note, however, that the amounts so far identified in frozen accounts — ₹4.5 crore from Muthukumar's accounts and ₹4 lakh from Arasakumar's — represent the financial footprint uncovered to date, not established proof that the money constitutes proceeds of the alleged offence. Final conclusions will rest on further examination of banking records and subsequent court proceedings.

What Happens Next

Muthukumar's remand period ends on 12 November, and an extension will require the court's fresh sanction. Investigators are expected to continue scrutinising financial records tied to all accused, with the probe into Anbil Mahesh's accounts at a critical juncture. This case marks one of the most significant political-financial investigations in Tamil Nadu in recent years, drawing scrutiny toward the functioning of private school regulatory networks in the state.