Malayalam Actor Shine Tom Chacko Arrested In Drug Case, Released On Bail
Booked under NDPS Act; actor allegedly fled during hotel raid
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko on Saturday under sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He was later released on bail in the evening.
The police charged Shine with sections 27(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act, which pertain to penalties for the consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, as well as abetment and criminal conspiracy. Additionally, a case was registered against him under section 238 of the BNS for destroying evidence and providing false information to protect an offender. This case was filed at the Ernakulam Town North police station.
Sources indicated that during questioning, Shine refuted allegations of drug use. However, when the cops confronted with evidence, the actor admitted to using drugs. The case was established based on evidence gathered against him, which included analyzed WhatsApp chats, Google Pay transactions, and inconsistencies in his statements.
When questioned about why he fled when the DANSAF team arrived at the hotel on Wednesday, the actor claimed he was concerned that a gang intended to harm him. He mentioned that while peeking through the peephole, he saw several large men standing outside his room.
"I have had financial dealings with many people and have enemies. I thought goons had come to attack me," he said, explaining that he didn't feel scared while jumping from the third floor, as his only aim was to escape a potential threat.
The actor informed police that he did not suffer any injuries from the jump. According to the police, the case was registered after they received evidence of drug use and inducement.
While questioning, Shine was taken to Ernakulam General Hospital for medical examination. His blood, hair and nail samples were taken for laboratory examination.
During seven and a half hours of questioning at the North Police station, police obtained crucial information, leading to his arrest after seeking legal advice. Initially, Shine maintained his position, but he began to falter under further questioning.
He could not convincingly explain his phone calls to drug dealers. Additionally, the actor denied allegations of misconduct with co-actor Vincy Aloshious, asserting that claims of drug use on the set of the Malayalam film "Soothravakyam" were unfounded. He emphasized that neither the director nor the film crew would support any allegations of drug use during filming.
Shine also disclosed that last year, his father took him to a drug addiction center, from which he was discharged after 12 days.
Meanwhile, the police have issued a notice for Shine to appear before investigating officials on April 22, by which time the results of the medical examination will also be available.
