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Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested by Kochi police on Saturday following an intense four-hour interrogation in connection with a drug-related case. His arrest comes days after he reportedly fled the scene during a narcotics raid at a hotel in Kochi earlier this week.
The 41-year-old actor has been charged under Sections 27 (drug consumption) and 29 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Authorities confirmed that a medical examination and further legal proceedings will follow.
Chacko, who rose to fame with the 2014 fantasy comedy Ithihasa—a commercial success in Malayalam cinema—appeared before Kochi City Police for questioning after receiving a formal notice.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday, when Chacko allegedly fled during a police operation targeting suspected drug use. The situation escalated further when, a day later, actress Vincy Aloshious filed a formal complaint with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the Malayalam film industry’s internal complaints committee. She accused Chacko of misbehaving on the set of the film Suthravakyam, allegedly while under the influence of alcohol.
In an emotional Instagram video, Vincy spoke about her experience and declared she would not work with individuals who misuse drugs or alcohol, emphasizing the need for accountability and professionalism in the industry.
Adding to the actor’s legal troubles, earlier this month Chacko was named by a woman drug peddler who was arrested by police. She claimed to have supplied drugs to both Shine Tom Chacko and fellow actor Sreenath Bhasi.
The case has sparked a fresh wave of concern about substance abuse within the Malayalam film industry, with authorities indicating a stricter crackdown moving forward.
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