Tamil actor Srikanth, also known as Sriram Krishnamachari, has been arrested in Chennai on June 23, 2025, for alleged involvement in a drug case. The Nungambakkam police took him into custody following an investigation that revealed his connection to a drug network. He has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7, 2025.
The arrest followed the detention of T. Prasad, a functionary of the AIADMK IT wing, who is suspected of supplying banned substances to the actor. Evidence gathered during Prasad's interrogation pointed to Srikanth's involvement in the drug network. Police reports indicate that Srikanth allegedly procured cocaine from a drug cartel that spans across states and involves foreign nationals. Another actor named Krishna is also under suspicion of being linked to the drug ring and is currently being searched for in Kerala.
Srikanth was interrogated for over nine hours at the Nungambakkam Police Station. During this time, a blood sample was collected and tested, confirming the presence of narcotics in his system. Sources indicate that Srikanth allegedly purchased one gram of cocaine for Rs 12,000 and used the drug at private parties and upscale clubs in Chennai. Investigators also found that Srikanth used Google Pay to transfer ₹4.72 lakh in connection with the drug purchases.
The crackdown began after a violent altercation at a bar in Nungambakkam led to the arrest of nine individuals, including Prasad and Ajay Vandayar, who are former AIADMK IT wing members. Further investigation revealed evidence of narcotics consumption and trafficking, leading 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. Pradeep Kumar reportedly told investigators that he had supplied cocaine to Prasad more than 40 times, who in turn, delivered the drugs to Srikanth. Kumar is said to have made over Rs 5 lakh from these transactions.
Srikanth, 46, made his acting debut in 1999 with K Balachander's TV show "Jannal – Marabu Kavithaigal" and debuted on the silver screen in 2002 with the Tamil film "Roja Kootam." He has starred in over 54 films, including several in Telugu and Malayalam, and is known for his roles in films like "April Maadhathil," "Parthiban Kanavu," "Okariki Okaru," and the Tamil remake of "3 Idiots," titled "Nanban."
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are exploring possible links between Srikanth and other members of the Tamil film industry.
