Malayalam film actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested by the Kochi police on Saturday, days after he allegedly fled from a hotel during a narcotics raid. The arrest followed nearly four hours of interrogation in connection with an ongoing drug-related investigation. However, the 41-year-old actor managed to secure bail just a few hours after his arrest.
Police confirmed that Chacko has been charged under Sections 27 (drug consumption) and 29 (abetment and conspiracy) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officials also stated that a medical examination and further proceedings would soon follow.
Chacko, who rose to fame with the 2014 fantasy-comedy film Ithihasa — the highest-grossing Malayalam film that year — appeared before the Kochi City Police for questioning after receiving a formal notice. The controversy erupted on Wednesday when the actor allegedly escaped during a police raid at a hotel, which was part of a broader crackdown on suspected drug use.
Adding to the scandal, actor Vincy Aloshious filed a formal complaint on Thursday with both 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. Vincy also took to Instagram to share her experience, asserting that she would no longer work with individuals who misuse alcohol or drugs.
This isn’t the first time Shine Tom Chacko has been linked to a drug controversy. Earlier this month, he was named by a woman drug peddler—currently under arrest—who claimed she had supplied narcotics to both Chacko and fellow actor Sreenath Bhasi.
The case has added to growing concerns within the Malayalam film industry regarding substance abuse and has intensified calls for stricter oversight and accountability among film professionals.
