Tamil Nadu Minister for Human Resources Management D. Sarathkumar, on Friday (June 26, 2026), denied allegations circulating on social media that a viral video from an Indian Premier League (IPL) match showed him allegedly preparing to snort drugs. The video showed him using a credit or debit card to make a powder line with a white substance placed on a mobile phone screen.

Addressing the media on Friday, Mr. Sarathkumar said the video was recorded about two years ago during an IPL match and had resurfaced now with “rumours.” He contended the clip showed him crushing a tablet for his one-and-a-half-year-old child after his wife told him the child was refusing to take the medicine and was spitting out the tablet. 

He said they crushed the tablet and mixed it with liquid to make it easier for the child to consume. 

The Minister alleged the video had been selectively shared on social media to create a false impression that he was handling drugs. “The video has been wrongly interpreted. Those who were present with me know what actually happened,” he said.