Shine Tom Chacko, Malayalam Actor, Acknowledges Drug Use and Gets Arrested
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Synopsis
Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko has been arrested after admitting to drug use during police questioning. Following a recent scandal involving accusations of inappropriate behavior, Chacko's legal troubles have intensified with the police investigation ongoing, raising questions about the future actions of industry associations.
Key Takeaways
- Shine Tom Chacko admitted to drug use during police questioning.
- He was arrested under the NDPS Act.
- The police investigation is ongoing despite his earlier evasion.
- Chacko faces allegations of inappropriate behavior during a film shoot.
- The Kerala Film Chamber is involved in the proceedings.
Kochi, April 19 (NationPress) The controversial Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, who had been on the run from law enforcement for three days, showed up at the North Ernakulam police station on Saturday morning.
After almost three hours of interrogation, the police executed his arrest under Sections 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act. Since both charges are bailable at the station level, Chacko will be able to secure his release by paying a fine. A formal case has been initiated.
On Friday, authorities had delivered a summons to Chacko's home, instructing him to present himself by 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. He, however, arrived thirty minutes in advance.
Insiders indicated that law enforcement had assembled a list of 32 questions for the actor. During the questioning, Chacko allegedly confessed to drug use when confronted with digital evidence, including mobile records and recordings of his suspected involvement in rave parties in and around Kochi.
Once he admitted to these allegations, police documented his arrest and subjected him to a standard medical assessment. An anti-doping test is also planned.
This incident is not the first time Chacko has encountered drug-related accusations. In February, he was cleared of charges alongside four female models in a 2015 cocaine case due to insufficient evidence from the prosecution.
Prior to Saturday's interrogation, authorities gathered CCTV footage from six hotels in Kochi where Chacko was believed to have stayed recently, along with his mobile call logs for the past month.
The current scandal began earlier this week when Chacko allegedly fled during a police raid associated with a drug use investigation. This situation escalated after actress Vincy Aloshious accused him of inappropriate behavior during the filming of Soothravakyam last year.
Although Aloshious initially refrained from naming him, she later disclosed Chacko's identity, claiming he had spat a white powdery substance and acted inappropriately.
She lodged a complaint with the Kerala Film Chamber under the condition that the accused's name remain confidential. However, Chamber General Secretary Saji Nandiyattu later made Chacko's identity public and assured that actions would be taken.
In the wake of this revelation, Aloshious expressed her disappointment over the breach of confidentiality and declared that she would no longer assist in the investigation.
On Friday, Aloshious's father communicated to authorities that the family preferred not to pursue the issue further, stating: "What transpired on the film set can be resolved within the film industry itself."
Interestingly, the families of Chacko and Aloshious are reportedly acquainted.
While dodging the police on Friday, Chacko also utilized social media to promote Soothravakyam, the film at the center of the controversy.
Raj Mohan, a retired senior police officer from Kerala and former NIA officer, remarked that despite Chacko's earlier evasion, the investigation remains active, as the limitation clause does not apply in these circumstances.
Earlier this month, Chacko was also mentioned by an arrested female drug dealer who claimed to have supplied drugs to him and fellow actor Sreenath Bhasi. The woman and her associates are currently in judicial custody, and the Excise Department has stated that notices will be sent to both actors.
All eyes are now on AMMA (the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists) and the Kerala Film Chamber, which are expected to convene soon to determine the next steps regarding Chacko.
