Tamil Nadu Minister D Sarathkumar Denies Drug Allegations After Viral IPL Video, Says It Was Child’s Crushed Medicine
Tamil Nadu Human Resources Minister D Sarath Kumar has denied allegations of drug use after an old video showing him handling a powder-like substance during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match went viral on social media. The clip sparked criticism, with several users claiming the substance could be narcotics and demanding his resignation.
Tamil Nadu Human Resources Minister D Sarathkumar has denied allegations of drug use after an old video showing him handling a powder-like substance during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match went viral on social media. The clip sparked criticism, with several users claiming the substance could be narcotics and demanding his resignation.
Responding to the controversy, the minister released a two-minute video statement alongside his wife and daughter, saying the allegations were false and misleading.
Sarath Kumar explained that the video was recorded around two years ago when he attended an IPL match at Chennai's M A Chidambaram Stadium with his family. According to him, the powder seen in the clip was a crushed tablet meant for his daughter, who was unable to swallow the medicine whole.
Tamil Nadu Minister D Sarath Kumar Breaks Silence on Viral IPL Video Amid Drug Allegations
Minister for Human Resources Management D Sarathkumar dismissed allegations that he had consumed a synthetic drug while watching an IPL event, claiming he was crushing a cough tablet for his child. #DTNext #TamilNadu #Drugs #GhilliSarath #Chepauk pic.twitter.com/bmP8AThYOc
— DT Next (@dt_next) June 27, 2026
"My daughter needed to take medicine, but she could not swallow the tablet whole. My wife asked me to crush it so it could be mixed with water and given to her. That is exactly what I was doing," he said.
The minister said the video resurfaced on the same day he attended an anti-drug awareness campaign, alleging that a false narrative was being spread against him. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Takes a Surprise Bus Ride After Launching 300 New Government Buses in Chennai; WATCH Viral Video.
He also questioned the allegations, pointing out that the stadium was under heavy police security and packed with spectators, making such claims unreasonable. Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Mimics MK Stalin’s Viral Hand Gesture in Assembly; Video of ‘Thalapathy’ Takes Over Social Media – WATCH.
The controversy comes just weeks after Sarath Kumar, a first-time MLA from Tambaram, was inducted into the TVK government as a minister. The issue also coincided with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's marathon campaign encouraging people to stay away from drugs and promote sports.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 27, 2026 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
