TN Minister D Sarathkumar Denies Drug Use Allegations Over Resurfaced Video

Tamil Nadu Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar on Friday denied allegations of drug use after a two-year-old video of him handling a white powder-like substance resurfaced on social media. The minister issued a clarification in Chennai, dismissing the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.

The controversial footage, which was originally filmed two years ago during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, shows Sarathkumar using an ATM card to arrange a white powder-like substance on the surface of a mobile phone while holding a currency note. The video clipping was originally posted by Sarathkumar himself on his own social media account, carrying the caption 'Thug Life Moments.'

In a clarification video released on Friday, Sarathkumar explained the context behind the resurfaced footage. The minister stated that he was simply crushing a medical tablet for his daughter because she was refusing to take the pill as a whole.

The minister also questioned the feasibility of the drug-use allegations, pointing out that the video was recorded in a highly public setting. He asked how it would be possible for him to consume drugs when there were scores of people surrounding him at the stadium during the match.

The old video clip began recirculating widely online shortly after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay ran an anti-drug marathon. The timing of the chief minister's event prompted many social media users to question the nature of the substance Sarathkumar was handling in the footage.

In response to the online allegations, Sarathkumar characterized the claims as a politically motivated attack. The minister stated that he is fully prepared to cooperate with any official inquiry into the incident if required.