Hyderabad: Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar scotched reports suggesting that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a notice to the Kollywood actress. The actress broke her silence after multiple reports were doing rounds that she had been summoned to appear at the office of the investigation agency in Kochi in connection with her former personal assistant (PA), who was involved in a drug case.
The actress put out a clarification on her Twitter handle, stating that no summons have been served on her by the NIA asking her to appear before it related to anyone including Adilingam.
"In light of recent events, I feel that it's important to address this issue for the purpose of clarity. All the news information circulating mentioning that I have been summoned by the NIA relating to a case involving Mr. Adilingam are false and mere rumours. No such summons have been issued. No requests for personal appearance anywhere has been made," she said in her statement.
"Mr. Adilingam had worked with me only for a brief period 3 years ago as a freelance manager. During this period I was also simultaneously working with many other freelance managers. After his tenure we've not had any association or communication with each other till date," the actress said.
"I am equally shocked at the news. I would be happy to be of assistance to the government in any way possible. It's disappointing that celebrities are being used and pulled into the news these days without any truth or clarifications from the involved persons," she wrote.
She also requested the media to publish articles and information based on facts rather than "speculate" at the humongous cost of reputation.
Varalaxmi, who was introduced to the industry as the daughter of renowned actor Sarath Kumar, made a special name for herself. She has played various roles in Telugu films like 'Tenali Ramakrishna BA, BL', 'Crack', 'Nandi', 'Veerasimha Reddy' and others. She is currently busy with six films in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.
According to the NIA, the agency managed to unearth Adilingam's links with international smugglers in the supply of drugs and arms, tracked him down and picked him up.
Also read: Enforcement Directorate seeks all records in Tollywood drugs scandal
The NIA officials seized Rs 300 kg heroin worth Rs 2,100 crore, AK 47 gun, 9 mm guns and ammunition from Adilingam's possession. After he was taken into custody, the interrogations revealed that Adilingam was investing the proceeds from drug supply in the film industry. Certain sections of the media were reporting that summons will be issued to Varalaxmi for the details and her statement will be recorded, without citing any sources.
It may be recalled that the drug racket, which was busted in 2017 in Tollywood, has stirred up a hornet's nest. Many celebrities appeared before the Enforcement Directorate. Many celebrities, including filmmaker Puri Jagannadh, actresses Charmee Kaur, Rakul Preet Singh and some others appeared before the central agency.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to incorporate the statement issued by actress Varalaxmi Sarath Kumar.
