The Tamil film industry has been rocked by the arrest of popular actor Srikanth in a high-profile cocaine case that has exposed a complex web of drug trafficking, financial fraud, and celebrity involvement. The 46-year-old actor, known for his memorable roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema, now finds himself at the center of a scandal that has sent shockwaves through South Indian entertainment circles.
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The Arrest That Shocked Kollywood
On June 23, 2025, Chennai Police arrested actor Srikanth following a comprehensive investigation that began with the detention of T. Prasad, a former AIADMK IT wing functionary suspected of running a sophisticated drug supply network. Actor Srikanth’s arrest came after a mandatory blood test confirmed the presence of cocaine in his system, validating allegations made by drug suppliers already in police custody.
The investigation took a dramatic turn when digital forensics revealed the extent of actor Srikanth’s alleged drug purchases. Police sources disclosed that actor Srikanth had reportedly bought cocaine approximately 40 times at ₹12,000 per gram, resulting in transactions totaling ₹4.72 lakh. These purchases were meticulously tracked through his Google Pay account, providing investigators with a clear financial trail.
The Network Behind the Scandal
The case extends far beyond a single celebrity’s alleged drug use. At the heart of this scandal lies T. Prasad, the dismissed AIADMK functionary who allegedly orchestrated a multi-layered operation involving drug supply, financial fraud, and even blackmail. According to police investigations, Prasad had been running fake job placement schemes, defrauding victims of amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh.
Adding to the complexity, investigators discovered that Prasad allegedly blackmailed individuals by accessing their call and location data, reportedly with assistance from two sub-inspectors who are now under investigation. This revelation has raised serious questions about the involvement of law enforcement personnel in the criminal network.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
During his court appearance, actor Srikanth admitted to drug use and pleaded for bail, citing his responsibilities as a father. However, his plea was rejected, and he was remanded to judicial custody until July 7, 2025. Actor Srikanth assured the court of his full cooperation with the investigation and promised not to leave the country.
The case has taken another concerning turn with the involvement of actor Krishna, who has reportedly gone absconding after his name emerged in connection with the drug network. Police sources indicate that actor Krishna has switched off his phone and gone incommunicado, prompting authorities to intensify their search efforts.
Financial Transactions and Evidence
| Transaction Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Price per gram of cocaine | ₹12,000 |
| Number of alleged purchases | 40 times |
| Total transaction value | ₹4.72 lakh |
| Payment method | Google Pay |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 21, 2025 | Initial detention of T. Prasad |
| June 22, 2025 | Actor Srikanth taken for questioning |
| June 23, 2025 | Actor Srikanth’s arrest after positive drug test |
| June 24, 2025 | Court appearance and remand |
| June 25, 2025 | Krishna goes absconding |
| July 7, 2025 | Next court hearing scheduled |
Impact on the Tamil Film Industry
The arrest has sent ripples through the Tamil film industry, raising questions about drug use among celebrities and the need for stricter monitoring. Industry insiders express concern about the potential impact on ongoing projects and the broader reputation of South Indian cinema.
Actor Srikanth, who has appeared in numerous successful films across Tamil and Telugu cinema, was known for his versatile acting skills and had built a respectable career spanning over two decades. His involvement in this case has shocked fans and colleagues alike, who struggle to reconcile the actor’s public image with the serious allegations against him.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
Police investigations suggest that the alleged drug network extends beyond Tamil Nadu, with connections in neighboring states. The case has exposed what appears to be a sophisticated operation involving multiple layers of criminal activity, from drug trafficking to financial fraud and potential corruption within law enforcement.
The investigation has also highlighted the role of digital payments in tracking illegal transactions, with authorities using Google Pay records as crucial evidence. This case may set precedents for how financial technology can be leveraged in criminal investigations.
The Human Cost
Beyond the headlines and legal proceedings lies a human story of alleged addiction and its consequences. The case serves as a stark reminder of how drug abuse can affect individuals regardless of their social status or professional success. For actor Srikanth’s family, particularly his son whom he mentioned during his bail plea, the situation represents a personal tragedy that extends far beyond the courtroom.
What’s Next?
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to uncover more details about the network’s operations and potentially identify additional individuals involved. The case against actor Srikanth will resume on July 7, 2025, when the court will review his custody status and examine additional evidence presented by investigators.
The ongoing search for Krishna and the investigation into the two sub-inspectors’ alleged involvement suggests that this case will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, potentially revealing more shocking details about the extent of the criminal network.
FAQs
What charges does Srikanth face in the drug case?
Srikanth faces charges related to cocaine purchase and consumption under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The charges are based on positive blood test results and digital evidence showing ₹4.72 lakh worth of cocaine transactions.
How was Srikanth’s drug use discovered?
The investigation began with the arrest of T. Prasad, a former AIADMK functionary who allegedly supplied drugs. During interrogation, Prasad revealed Srikanth as one of his clients, leading to the actor’s arrest and subsequent positive drug test.
What is the current status of Srikanth’s case?
Srikanth is currently in judicial custody until July 7, 2025, after his bail plea was rejected. He admitted to drug use in court and assured full cooperation with the investigation.
Who else is involved in this drug case?
The case involves T. Prasad (the alleged supplier), actor Krishna (who has gone absconding), and two sub-inspectors under investigation for allegedly helping with blackmail operations. The network may extend to other celebrities and states.
How much money was involved in Srikanth’s alleged drug purchases?
According to police sources, Srikanth allegedly purchased cocaine 40 times at ₹12,000 per gram, totaling ₹4.72 lakh. These transactions were tracked through his Google Pay account, providing crucial evidence for the case.
This developing story continues to unfold as investigations proceed. The case highlights serious issues within the entertainment industry and raises important questions about drug abuse, celebrity accountability, and the extent of organized criminal networks in South India.
