Overview
- A two-year-old clip showing Minister D. Sarathkumar using a card to arrange a white powder on a phone screen resurfaced and went viral on Friday, June 26, 2026.
- Sarathkumar posted a clarification video with his wife and young child saying he had crushed a medicine tablet so the toddler could swallow it, and he denied any drug use.
- The original clip was shared by the minister as an Instagram story with the caption “Thug Life” and was filmed at an IPL match in Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
- Opponents and commentators questioned the footage because the child is not visible in the viral clip, a DMK spokesperson said the scene resembled how people snort drugs, and a BJP leader urged a police probe.
- No independent investigation results have been reported so far and the episode has intensified scrutiny of the newly appointed minister and the state government’s anti-drug messaging.