Prominent Tamil and Telugu film actor Srikanth has been arrested by the Greater Chennai Police in connection with a major narcotics case, sending shockwaves through the South Indian film industry. The arrest came after a thorough investigation that reportedly linked the actor to a drug cartel. He has since been remanded to judicial custody until July 7, 2025.
The investigation that led to Srikanth’s arrest reportedly stemmed from a broader crackdown on a drug network. Police initially detained T. Prasad, a functionary of the AIADMK IT wing, following a brawl at a pub in Nungambakkam. During Prasad’s interrogation, authorities allegedly uncovered crucial information pointing to Srikanth’s involvement in purchasing and consuming illicit substances, specifically cocaine.
According to police sources, Prasad confessed to supplying banned narcotic substances to the actor on multiple occasions. Further investigation revealed that Srikanth allegedly purchased one gram of cocaine for ₹12,000 and is believed to have used the substance more than 40 times. Incriminating financial transactions, including those made via a popular fintech platform, amounting to approximately ₹4.72 lakh, were also reportedly unearthed, strengthening the case against him. The drugs are believed to have been trafficked from Africa, possibly via Bengaluru.
Following these revelations, Srikanth was summoned for questioning by the Chennai Police’s Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU). He underwent a medical examination at a government hospital in Chennai, where his blood samples reportedly tested positive for narcotic substances. After hours of intensive interrogation at the Nungambakkam Police Station, the actor was formally arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Srikanth, who made his acting debut in 2002 with the Tamil film ‘Roja Kootam’ and has starred in over 50 films across Tamil and Telugu cinema, including notable works like ‘Nanban’ and ‘Okariku Okaru’, was subsequently produced before Magistrate Dhayalan of the 14th Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Egmore. His advocate, Vignesh Ramanadhan, represented him during the proceedings.
This development has intensified the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and consumption, particularly within entertainment circles. Authorities are reportedly looking into possible links between Srikanth and other individuals within the film industry as the investigation continues to unravel the full scope of the alleged drug network.
The arrest of a well-known personality like Srikanth underscores the gravity of the narcotics issue and serves as a stark reminder of the stringent actions being taken against both peddlers and users in the state. The Tamil Nadu Police have consistently maintained their commitment to proactive enforcement against drug-related offenses.