Kerala Drug Investigation: Excise Calls Three More to Appear Alongside Actors Shine and Bhasi
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Synopsis
The Kerala Excise Department has summoned three more individuals for questioning in connection with a drug investigation involving Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi, following the arrest of Tasleem Sultana and her associates.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala Excise Department issues summons to three individuals.
- Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi are involved in the investigation.
- Evidence of gold smuggling and a sex racket emerged during the probe.
- Operative Tasleem Sultana has links to the Malayalam film industry.
- Apprehensions followed a three-month surveillance operation.
Kochi, April 25 (NationPress) Just two days after Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi received summons, the Kerala Excise Department has issued notices to three additional individuals requesting their presence for questioning.
This action follows the apprehension of Tasleem Sultana and one of her associates at a resort near Alappuzha on April 1, subsequent to a tip-off.
The operation led to the recovery of hybrid ganja valued at around Rs 2 crore in the market.
Authorities later detained one more individual closely linked to Sultana.
The identities of these three individuals are currently undisclosed, as there is insufficient evidence against them; however, it is known that they had regular contact with Sultana.
The trio includes a female model from Kochi, a person with significant ties to the Malayalam film industry, and a man who participated in a well-known reality TV show.
While the Excise officials are investigating drug-related activities, inquiry into the three arrested has revealed evidence concerning gold smuggling and an alleged sex trafficking operation.
This evidence is set to be forwarded to the Kerala Police.
Officials reported that Sultana and her accomplices were apprehended following a thorough three-month surveillance operation.
During questioning, Sultana reportedly mentioned several clients from the Malayalam film sector, including actors Chacko and Bhasi.
Anticipating trouble, Bhasi filed for anticipatory bail, which he subsequently withdrew within hours before the Kerala High Court.
Excise officials had previously indicated they would call the actors for questioning if necessary.
Based on detailed interrogation of Sultana and her associates, notices were sent to Chacko and Bhasi, leading to the identification of three additional individuals.
The Excise Department now intends to question the five summoned individuals both individually and collectively.
With the help of digital forensic experts, officials have reportedly recovered critical chat messages exchanged between Bhasi and Sultana. Originally from Kannur, Sultana is believed to have operated from Chennai, frequently traveling to Kochi and Alappuzha, which are vital locations in her alleged distribution network.
In addition to her suspected narcotics involvement, Sultana has a history of minor film appearances and has assisted with script translations, granting her access to the film industry.
This is not her first encounter with law enforcement; she has a prior record related to a sex trafficking case.
