Tamil actor Srikanth arrested in Chennai drug bust: Reports

Tamil actor Srikanth, also known as Sriram Krishnamachari, was arrested by Nungambakkam police on Monday, June 23, for allegedly procuring cocaine from a drug network that spans across states and involves foreign nationals. He has since been remanded to judicial custody, according to reports in The Hindu and The News Minute.

According to TNM, the 46-year-old actor—best known for his role in Roja Kootam—was apprehended after police uncovered his alleged links to a drug cartel connected to a recent brawl involving former AIADMK functionaries.

The crackdown began after a violent altercation at a bar in Nungambakkam led to the arrest of nine individuals, including former AIADMK IT wing members Prasad and Ajay Vandayar, as reported by Sun News.

During the course of the investigation, police reportedly found evidence of narcotics consumption and trafficking.

Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of Pradeep Kumar and an associate named John, who were allegedly found in possession of 11 grams of cocaine. Authorities believe the drugs were trafficked from Africa via Bengaluru.

It was during Pradeep Kumar’s interrogation that Srikanth’s name surfaced. He allegedly told investigators that he had supplied cocaine to Prasad more than 40 times and that the latter, in turn, delivered the drugs to Srikanth. Kumar is said to have made over Rs5 lakh from these transactions.

Police also suspect that another actor, Krishna, may be linked to the drug ring. According to TNM, authorities believe he is currently in Kerala and have launched a search to trace his whereabouts.

Srikanth was summoned for questioning on Monday morning and subjected to a drug test at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. He was later taken into custody by the F3 unit of the Nungambakkam police.

Sources cited by TNM claim Srikanth purchased one gram of cocaine for Rs12,000 and allegedly used the drug at private parties and upscale clubs in Chennai.

The investigation is ongoing.