Actor Srikanth Arrested in Drug Case, Remanded to Judicial Custody Until July 7
Tamil actor Srikanth, also known as Sriram Krishnamachari, was arrested on Monday by the Nungambakkam police in Chennai for allegedly purchasing cocaine from a drug trafficking network. The 46-year-old actor has been remanded to judicial custody until July 7.
According to a senior police official, Srikanth had maintained frequent contact with three recently arrested drug offenders. “Our investigation has confirmed that he procured and consumed cocaine. Further inquiry is ongoing,” the officer said.
The drug cartel in question reportedly includes a Ghanaian national who was arrested last week. Authorities are also searching for actor Krishna, who is believed to be in Kerala and may be linked to the case.
Srikanth rose to fame with his debut in the 2002 Tamil film Roja Kootam and went on to star in successful films such as April Maadhathil (2002), Parthiban Kanavu (2003), Okariki Okaru (2003), and Nanban (2012), the Tamil adaptation of 3 Idiots. He has received several accolades, including Nandi and Filmfare Awards.
Cocaine Trafficking and Bar Brawl Connection
The investigation intensified after the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), under Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun, tracked a drug trail leading to two men—Pradeep Kumar alias Prado, 38, from Salem, and John, 38, a Ghanaian national. The duo was arrested on June 17 with 11 grams of cocaine in their possession.
During interrogation, Pradeep revealed that he had supplied drugs to T. Prasad, a former AIADMK functionary who allegedly sold the narcotics to Srikanth at a Nungambakkam pub. Prasad was previously arrested in connection with a bar brawl and is also accused of defrauding a Hyderabad businessman through a fake job racket. Police sources noted that Prasad had worked with Srikanth in film production and that the actor frequently socialised with him and his associates.
Following these developments, police searched Srikanth’s residence in the Nungambakkam Lake Area, where small quantities of cocaine were allegedly recovered. Srikanth was detained for questioning and later arrested after testing positive for narcotic substances. His medical examination was conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.
Drugs Sourced from Bengaluru
According to investigators, the cocaine was sourced from Bengaluru and sold in Chennai at inflated prices. Pradeep and John reportedly bought it for ₹7,000 per gram and sold it for ₹12,000.
Commissioner Arun has directed the ANIU and local police stations to intensify surveillance and take stringent action against organised drug networks. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the trafficking syndicate.
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