Chennai police’s Central Crime Branch has arrested DMK functionary P.T. Arasakumar in a money fraud case linked to private school approvals, officials said.
According to the police, Arasakumar—also described as a vice-chairman of the party’s media communications wing—had floated an unregistered association for private schools and served as its president.
Investigators allege he collected up to Rs 100 crore by promising to use political influence to upgrade private nursery and primary schools to middle schools, secure no-objection certificates, and obtain permanent recognition. He was taken into three-day custody and questioned extensively, with a statement recorded.
Police said Arasakumar initially denied wrongdoing and claimed the case was false. However, after being confronted with evidence, he allegedly stated that complainants were also complicit and, when asked about the money, named education department officials who held senior posts during the previous DMK regime and detailed amounts purportedly paid as bribes.
Police further alleged he hosted a liquor party for education officials at a star hotel in T. Nagar and maintained close links with them. Officials said summons are likely to be issued to education department personnel as part of the probe.
