Weeks after an old video clip showed D. Sarathkumar, currently Tamil Nadu Minister for Human Resources, indulging in an act that resembled preparation for snorting drugs surfaced, the issue figured in the Legislative Assembly on Monday (August 17, 2026).

The Minister, however, said he had already given his explanation (that he was powdering a tablet for his child on a mobile phone screen using a bank card). He wondered whether “drugs were sold at the gates of the [Chepauk] stadium,” as the alleged incident occurred during an IPL match when the DMK was in power.

“The Opposition may have a difference of opinion and contrary views on what I have said. Can they raise the issue without any evidence? There is no need to raise the issue unnecessarily after I have clarified. Even in my department, there was a scam involving ₹888 crore, promising government jobs,” he said.

Mr. Sarathkumar gave his explanation after Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the Minister of “crushing powder” during an IPL match and the Minister subsequently claimed that he “crushed only tablets for his child.”

Mr. Udhayanidhi raised the issue after Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar recalled the arrest of Jaffer Sadiq, an international drug peddler, who was allegedly seen in a photograph with the former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, his family members, and ministers. “Though he was arrested and cases were filed in Delhi, no case was filed in Tamil Nadu,” he alleged.

Mr. Udhayanidhi said when the issue was brought to the notice of the DMK leadership, Mr. Sadiq was arrested and sacked from the party. “But what action had you taken against the Minister? Did the police inquire into it? A lot of ruling partymen are involved in drug-use cases,” he alleged.

Former DMK Minister K.N. Nehru asked whether it was proper to raise the issue of a job scam case registered by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) when the matter was pending in court. “We are only asking whether the Minister used his card to crush the tablets,” he said.

AIADMK member S.P. Velumani said the complaint of Coimbatore engineering college student late Amuthan’s parents was that drug use was prevalent in schools and colleges across the State. “Drug use is involved in the case. The [Law] Minister’s explanation is based on the police report, but the police had not given a proper report. Take appropriate action,” he said.

Earlier, CPI(M) MLA A. Chellasamy said the “weeds” in the police force should be removed to make it efficient. AIADMK member R. Kamaraj said ₹6 lakh was not adequate and demanded ₹25 lakh compensation for the family of Amuthan.

Published - August 17, 2026 02:48 pm IST