In the video, TVK Minister D Sarath Kumar is seen crushing a white, powdery substance on his mobile phone using an ATM card
Viral white substance: Vijay orders probe into minister Sarath Kumar’s clip
Minister claims innocence, TVK government says it's probing the issue, while DMK says Sarath Kumar should go
The video clip, believed to have been recorded around a couple of years ago during an IPL match at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, resurfaced on the same day that Vijay participated in a high-profile anti-drug marathon. The timing has intensified the political debate.
The TVK government has since launched an inquiry into the allegations, while the Opposition has demanded action against Sarath Kumar.
Viral video
In the video, Sarath Kumar, then a civilian, is seen crushing a white, powdery substance on his mobile phone using an ATM card. He is also reportedly seen using a Rs 500 note during the process.
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According to reports, the clip was originally shared as an Instagram Story that was visible only to his close friends and carried the caption "Thug Life."
After resurfacing online, the video spread rapidly across social media, leading to allegations that the minister had consumed narcotic substances.
Minister's defence
Sarath Kumar has strongly denied the allegations. The substance shown in the video was a pill prescribed for his then one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, who was unwell and refusing to swallow the tablet whole, he claimed.
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He said his wife had asked him to crush the tablet so it could be mixed with water and administered to the child. Since they were seated in the stadium with family and friends under heavy security, he powdered the medicine in such a manner, he said.
A doctor who had treated the child has also reportedly confirmed that he had prescribed the medicine.
Reports suggest Vijay was shocked when the video surfaced. TVK General Secretary and senior minister N Anand reportedly met Sarath Kumar and conveyed the leadership's displeasure, while indicating that the final decision rests with the Chief Minister. Reports also suggest restrictions have been placed on the minister's public appearances.
Opposition attacks
The Opposition, particularly the DMK, has sharply criticised the government over the controversy. Former minister PK Sekar Babu questioned the government's anti-drug campaign and said, "CM Vijay, who cannot advise the drug users present in his own cabinet...what is the use of organising an anti-drug marathon?"
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DMK workers in Krishnagiri also staged protests, demanding Sarath Kumar's immediate removal from the Cabinet while raising slogans mimicking the actions seen in the video.
The controversy, meanwhile, has raised several questions in political circles. Observers are asking why a video that is reportedly around three years old surfaced on the very day Vijay led an anti-drug marathon.
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Another unanswered question is who leaked the video after all these years.
Many also remain unconvinced that an ATM card and a currency note, commonly associated with taking drugs, were used to pound a pill for a child.
