ED summons Tamil actors Srikanth, Krishna in cocaine-linked PMLA case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Tamil actors K. Srikanth and Krishna Kumar for questioning in a money laundering case connected to an alleged cocaine trafficking network, officials said on Friday.

Srikanth, 46, is scheduled to appear before the ED zonal office on October 27, while Krishna Kumar has been asked to join the probe on October 28. Their statements will be recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The investigation stems from a cocaine trafficking case initiated by an FIR filed by Chennai Police in June. Both actors, along with others, were arrested by police but were granted conditional bail by the Madras High Court in July.

The case also involves T. Prasad, a former AIADMK functionary, who was arrested for allegedly supplying cocaine to Srikanth and others. Additionally, individuals named John, Pradeep Kumar, Jawahar, and Prasanth were arrested in connection with the case. John, a Ghanaian national, was reportedly the primary supplier of cocaine to the accused. Pradeep Kumar, who had been sourcing cocaine from Bengaluru since 2020, allegedly supplied the drugs to Prasad and others in Chennai's social circles.

The ED's probe aims to trace the financial transactions linked to the drug trafficking network and identify any money laundering activities associated with the case.