The arrest of Tamil actor Srikanth in a drug case has unearthed a complex web of criminal activities in Tamil Nadu, extending from drug trafficking to job scams, blackmail, and land grabbing. The timeline of events leading to these revelations began with a seemingly unrelated incident: a nightclub brawl.
The Nightclub Brawl:
On May 22, 2025, police responded to a heated argument and clash between two groups at a nightclub in Nungambakkam, Chennai. This incident led to the arrest of eight individuals. One of those arrested was Prasad, a former functionary of the AIADMK IT wing. This seemingly minor event became the catalyst for uncovering a far-reaching criminal enterprise.
The Drug Connection:
As police investigated Prasad in connection with the nightclub brawl, they discovered his involvement in a drug network. Investigations revealed that Prasad was a key supplier of cocaine, and was selling the drugs to multiple individuals, including actor Srikanth. Further investigation led to the arrest of Pradeep Kumar from Bengaluru and John, a Ghana national, who were identified as Prasad's sources for cocaine. Police seized 11 grams of cocaine, ₹40,000 in cash, and two mobile phones from them. Evidence suggested that Prasad had supplied cocaine to Srikanth on multiple occasions, totaling over ₹4.72 lakh in transactions.
Srikanth's Arrest:
Based on the evidence gathered, police arrested Srikanth on June 23, 2025. He was taken for medical examination, which confirmed the presence of narcotics in his system. Srikanth reportedly confessed to purchasing one gram of cocaine for ₹12,000 and using it multiple times. The actor has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7, 2025. Actor Krishna was also questioned and might be used to obtain more names of celebrities involved. The police are also investigating possible links between Srikanth and other members of the Tamil film industry.
The Job Scam Unraveled:
The investigation into Prasad's activities extended beyond drug trafficking, uncovering a large-scale job scam. Police found that Prasad had allegedly cheated over 200 people, collecting amounts ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹20 lakh from each person, promising them government jobs. The victims were lured with false assurances of placements in various departments, including the Chennai Corporation, Railways, Income Tax Department, and Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). It's alleged that Prasad collected ₹2 crore through this job racket.
Blackmail and Extortion:
Adding another layer to the criminal network, Prasad was also found to be involved in blackmail and extortion. With the help of contacts within the police department, Prasad allegedly gained access to call details and location records of individuals, using this information to threaten and extort money from them. Senthil, a head constable based in Madurai, has been arrested for his connection to Prasad in this blackmail scheme. Two sub-inspectors are also under investigation for their alleged involvement.
Land Grabbing and Intimidation:
The investigation further revealed Prasad's association with Ajay Vandaiyar, who is accused of intimidating landowners, particularly Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and using forged documents to illegally grab properties. Vandaiyar operated through a company called "AJ Trust and Enterprises," which is now under financial investigation.
The Aftermath:
As of June 25, 2025, 22 people have been arrested in connection with the case, and five have been detained under the Goondas Act. Authorities have stated that anyone withholding information about drug use or peddling will face legal consequences. Police are also tracking phones of all stakeholders. The investigation continues to unfold, with the possibility of more arrests and revelations in the coming days.
This case highlights the interconnectedness of various criminal activities and the potential for a seemingly minor incident to expose a much larger network of corruption and illegal activities.
