Former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) legislator Muthukumar surrendered before a special court in Chennai on Thursday, 29 October, in connection with an alleged private school cheating case estimated at over ₹100 crore — a day after the Supreme Court rejected his anticipatory bail application. He has been remanded to judicial custody until 12 November 2025 and directed to Puzhal Central Prison.

Court Proceedings and Remand Order

Judge L.S. Sathyamurthy of the special court — which handles cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act — formally remanded Muthukumar following his surrender. The court also accepted requests pertaining to the conditions of his detention, directing prison authorities to provide him first-class facilities, ensure access to medical treatment, and permit him to wear his own clothes during incarceration.

Muthukumar's appearance before the court followed the Supreme Court's dismissal of his anticipatory bail plea on 28 October. Having failed to secure protection from arrest, he presented himself before the Chennai court the following day.

Who Has Been Arrested So Far

The case is being investigated by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Greater Chennai Police. Prior to Muthukumar's surrender, investigators had already arrested four individuals, including former Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi. The other three arrested are B.T. Arasakumar, president of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association, and two individuals identified as Suresh and Raja.

Notably, the alleged scam has now drawn a former cabinet minister, a former legislator and the head of a private schools body into the same investigation — signalling what authorities describe as a wider network.

Scale and Significance of the Alleged Scam

The alleged cheating, reportedly involving a sum exceeding ₹100 crore, centres on transactions linked to private schools in Tamil Nadu. This is the first time a case involving the state's school education apparatus has simultaneously ensnared a former minister and a former member of the legislative assembly. The involvement of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools Association chief adds an institutional dimension to what is an unusually high-profile corruption probe.

What Happens Next

Muthukumar will remain in judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison until 12 November, unless a subsequent court order modifies his custody status. The investigation by the Central Crime Branch continues, and further developments in the case — including possible additional arrests or bail hearings — are expected in the coming weeks. The allegations against all accused remain subject to investigation and judicial adjudication; the rejection of anticipatory bail and the remand order do not constitute a finding of guilt.