Why was Actor Srikanth arrested in Chennai's cocaine case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Srikanth has been arrested in connection with a narcotics investigation.
- He allegedly used digital payment methods to purchase cocaine.
- A blood test confirmed the presence of narcotics in his system.
- Further investigations are ongoing, with potential for more arrests.
- Srikanth is a prominent figure in Tamil cinema.
Chennai, June 23 (NationPress) Tamil actor Srikanth has been taken into custody by the Chennai Police regarding a narcotics investigation, following questioning earlier on Monday.
As per the Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU), the actor is accused of purchasing cocaine on several occasions, utilizing digital payment services to facilitate these transactions.
Police sources disclosed that Srikanth allegedly procured cocaine approximately 40 times at a cost of Rs 12,000 per gram, accumulating a total of Rs 4.72 lakh. The transactions were traced to his Google Pay account during the investigation.
A required blood test performed at a government hospital confirmed the presence of narcotic substances, prompting his formal arrest under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The actor came under investigation following the arrest of Prasad, a former AIADMK IT wing functionary, apprehended after an altercation at a pub in Nungambakkam. Prasad was allegedly involved in the distribution and trafficking of narcotics.
During questioning, he purportedly admitted to selling cocaine to Srikanth.
Further implicating the actor, another individual named Pradeep informed investigators that he had personally seen Srikanth using drugs at private gatherings and nightclubs, with Prasad being the supplier on multiple occasions.
The police are actively pursuing the investigation, and more arrests may follow. As of this report, Srikanth has not issued any public comment regarding the allegations.
Srikanth gained prominence in the early 2000s with notable roles in Tamil and Telugu cinema. His significant works include Nanban, Kana Kandaen, Adavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule, Oru Naal Oru Kanavu, Bose, Poo, Okariki Okaru, and Coffee With Kadhal.
His latest appearance was in the Tamil romantic drama Konjam Kadhal Konjam Modhal.