South Indian film actor Srikanth (46), known for his roles in over 54 films across Telugu and Malayalam cinema, was arrested on Monday by the Greater Chennai Police in connection with a narcotics case. The arrest came after the detention of T. Prasad, an AIADMK IT wing functionary, who allegedly supplied the banned substance to the actor. During extensive interrogation at Nungambakkam Police Station, which lasted over nine hours, police collected evidence suggesting Srikanth’s involvement in a drug network. A blood sample taken during questioning confirmed the presence of narcotics in his system.
Following his arrest, Srikanth was taken to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for a mandatory medical examination before being presented before Magistrate Dhayalan of the 14th Metropolitan Magistrate Court. The hearing was held at the Magistrate’s residence within the Judicial Officers’ Quarters in Egmore, Chennai. Represented by his lawyer, Vignesh Ramanadhan, Srikanth was subsequently remanded to judicial custody until July 7, 2025.
Srikanth began his acting journey with K. Balachander’s television serial Jannal – Marabu Kavithaigal in 1999 and made his film debut with Roja Kootam in 2002. His arrest comes amid growing scrutiny of the South Indian film industry’s links to drug cases. In April, Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi were questioned by excise officials after a woman, caught in possession of drugs, alleged she had consumed them with both actors. Their questioning followed official notices issued based on her statement.
