Former DMK minister Anbil Mahesh’s arrest has triggered unease within the party, with reports suggesting that several former ministers who are already facing cases fear that arrests could follow at any time.
Mahesh was arrested by Chennai’s Central Crime Branch in connection with allegations that money was collected by promising to secure government recognition for private schools during the DMK’s tenure. The development has intensified concerns among party functionaries about the direction of the investigations.
Sources said DMK president M.K. Stalin was shocked and displeased by the arrest and stayed away from Anna Arivalayam on Tuesday. He reportedly held discussions at his Alwarpet residence with former ministers, senior office-bearers and senior lawyers on the next course of legal action.
In the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay stated that three “corruption files” were on his table and would be released and acted upon at an appropriate time. Opposition leader Udhayanidhi challenged the government to proceed if it had evidence, while Finance Minister Maria Wilson later said the files would be made public soon.
The arrest of Mahesh—seen as a prominent young face and a close aide of Udhayanidhi—has been viewed within the party as a signal aimed at the top leadership. Adding to the pressure, the Madras High Court dismissed former minister K.N. Nehru’s review petition in a case related to alleged irregularities in appointments in the Municipal Administration Department. With cases also pending against former ministers Senthil Balaji, E.V. Velu, Sekarbabu, Ma. Subramanian and DMK deputy general secretary A. Raja, the party leadership has reportedly advised them to intensify legal preparations.
