Tamil actor Krishna arrested after actor Srikanth in drug cartel case in Chennai
Tamil actor Krishna and his associate were arrested by the Nungambakkam Police of the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) on Thursday (June 26, 2025) in connection with a drug case, following the seizure of narcotics from the associate and the discovery of WhatsApp chats between them and others, allegedly indicating their involvement.
Krishna is the second actor to be arrested in the case, after actor Srikanth, alias Sridhar Krishnamachari, was arrested on Monday (June 23, 2025).
What is the case about?
The investigation into the case began after two groups clashed at a bar in Nungambakkam last month. Eight persons, including Prasad (a former AIADMK functionary), were arrested in connection with the incident. The probe revealed that Prasad had been involved in several offences, including attempted murder, job fraud, and extortion. The police also uncovered links between Prasad and a drug cartel comprising Prado alias Pradeep and his associates, including John, a Ghanaian national operating out of Bengaluru.
The police said Prasad had been obtaining cocaine from the group for the past three years and selling it to his close circle of friends, including actor Srikanth. Details of the financial transactions and electronic evidence were also gathered. Srikanth was arrested by the Nungambakkam Police on Monday.
Actor Krishna's involvement
Upon being summoned, actor Krishna appeared before the police at the Thousand Lights station on Wednesday (June 25). He was medically examined and interrogated for several hours until Thursday evening. In a statement, the GCP said that, in pursuance of the investigation into the drug case, 'Krishna was arrested for procuring drugs, using them, and giving them to his friends, while his associate Kevin was arrested for procuring drugs, using them, and selling them — based on clinching evidence.'
The police said they had been on the lookout for Krishna, who had been absconding, and were conducting the investigation based on strong leads, as well as scientific and technical evidence.
Jesvir alias Kevin was also apprehended on Thursday. The police seized approximately 0.5 grams of cocaine, 10.30 grams of methamphetamine, 2.75 grams of MDMA, 2.40 grams of OG ganja, 30 grams of regular ganja, ziplock covers, weighing machines, ₹45,200 in cash, a laptop, and a mobile phone from him.
The police said Krishna regularly received drugs from Kevin, consumed them, and also shared them with his friends. He had also joined WhatsApp groups of drug users and discussed matters related to drugs. According to the police, he shared details such as the location and time for drug consumption in these groups. The duo was arrested based on their bank transactions, the drugs seized so far, and supporting scientific evidence. Further investigation is under way, the police said.
Krishna was first introduced in Mani Ratnam's Anjali. He went on to act in films such as Kazhugu, Vanavarayan Vallavarayan, Vanmam, and Yatchan, which was directed by his brother Vishnuvardhan. He also starred in four thrillers: Yaakkai, Pandigai, Nibunan, and Vizhithiru. His other appearances include Veera, Kalari, and Maari 2.
Trafficking, possession, and sale of drugs are punishable offences. It is also considered an offence if individuals with knowledge of someone possessing drugs fail to inform the authorities, the police said.
Police sources added that the investigation into the case is likely to widen, and more suspects may be arrested in connection with it. So far, 24 persons have been arrested by the Nungambakkam Police.
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