(This article is authored by Alar)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has issued a summons to popular Tamil actress Varalakshmi Sarathkumar to appear before them in connection with a case involving her former personal assistant, who was allegedly involved in a massive drug and arms smuggling racket.

According to reports, the NIA officials seized 300 kg of heroin worth Rs 2,100 crore, an AK 47 rifle, 17 rounds of ammunition and five 9mm pistols from a fishing boat named Sri Vignesh at Vizhinjam beach shore in Kerala on August 18.

The NIA has registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Adhilingam and five others. The agency suspects that the contraband was smuggled from Iran or Pakistan via Sri Lanka.

The NIA has summoned Varalakshmi Sarathkumar to appear in person at their Kochi office to record her statement regarding her association with Adhilingam. The actress, who is known for her roles in films like Sarkar, Sandakozhi 2 and Maari 2, has not yet commented on the issue.

The case has sent shockwaves in the Tamil film industry, as Varalakshmi Sarathkumar is the daughter of veteran actor and politician Sarathkumar, who is also the founder of the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) party. The actress is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social causes.

The NIA is likely to question the actress about her knowledge of Adhilingam’s activities and whether she had any role or involvement in the smuggling racket. The agency is also probing the possible links of the accused with terror outfits and anti-national elements.