Tamil Nadu Minister for Milk and Dairy Development, K. T. Rama Rao (alias Sarath Kumar), on Wednesday denied allegations that a viral video from an Indian Premier League (IPL) match showed him consuming drugs. The minister asserted that the clip captured him crushing a child’s medicine, not an illicit substance.
Video Sparks Controversy
The video, widely circulated on social media, appeared to show the minister at an IPL match in Chennai, crushing a white tablet-like substance and then snorting it. The footage triggered immediate backlash and accusations of drug use from opposition parties, including the AIADMK and the BJP.
In a detailed statement, Sarath Kumar explained that the substance was a prescribed medication for a minor child accompanying him. “I was crushing a paracetamol tablet for a child who had a fever. The child was with me at the stadium, and I was assisting in administering the medicine,” he said. He added that the child’s parents were present and could corroborate his account.
Minister Calls for Responsible Reporting
Sarath Kumar condemned the “malicious” sharing of the video and urged media outlets to verify facts before publishing. “This is a baseless allegation aimed at tarnishing my image. I have never consumed drugs, and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise,” he stated. He also warned of legal action against those spreading the misinformation.
The minister’s office later released a medical certificate from a doctor confirming that the child was prescribed paracetamol. The certificate, dated the same day as the match, listed the child’s name and dosage.
Political Reactions
The opposition AIADMK demanded a thorough investigation, with senior leader D. Jayakumar calling the video “disturbing” and questioning the minister’s explanation. “The public deserves clarity. If it was medicine, why was it crushed and snorted? This is not how medication is normally administered,” Jayakumar said in a press conference.
BJP state president K. Annamalai also weighed in, tweeting: “The video is self-explanatory. The minister must come clean. Drug abuse is a serious issue, and those in power should set an example.”
However, ruling DMK party members rallied behind Sarath Kumar. DMK spokesperson T. K. S. Elangovan said, “The opposition is desperate and trying to malign a dedicated public servant. The minister has provided a valid explanation and evidence. This is a non-issue.”
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Sarath Kumar has faced such allegations. In 2023, a similar video surfaced showing him at a private party, which he dismissed as a misunderstanding. At that time, he claimed he was consuming a herbal supplement. The latest incident has reignited scrutiny on his conduct.
Meanwhile, the Chennai police have reportedly taken cognizance of the matter and are examining the video. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are awaiting a formal complaint. If anyone files a petition, we will investigate according to law.”
Expert Opinions on Medical Use
Medical experts have weighed in on the plausibility of the minister’s explanation. Dr. S. Balaji, a pediatrician at a Chennai hospital, said, “Crushing a paracetamol tablet is not standard practice for children. Usually, the tablet is dissolved in water or administered as a syrup. Snorting crushed medicine is dangerous and can cause nasal damage.” However, he added that some parents might crush tablets for easier swallowing, though nasal administration is rare.
Another doctor, Dr. Nirmala Devi, noted that “paracetamol is not typically crushed and snorted. If it was indeed for a child, the parents would likely have given it orally. The minister’s explanation seems unusual but not impossible.”
The incident has sparked a broader debate on drug abuse among public figures in Tamil Nadu. According to a 2024 report by the Tamil Nadu State Drug Control Department, there were 1,200 drug-related arrests in the state in the last year, with a 15% increase in cases involving synthetic drugs.
Public Response
Social media remains divided. While some users have shared the video with sarcastic comments, others have defended the minister. One Twitter user wrote, “Before jumping to conclusions, wait for facts. The minister has provided evidence. Let’s not ruin someone’s reputation.” Another user countered, “The video is clear. He is snorting something. No child’s medicine is taken that way. He should resign.”
The minister has maintained his stance and vowed to cooperate with any inquiry. “I am ready for any investigation. My conscience is clear,” he said.
