Inside Shine Tom Chacko’s drug case: hotel escape, interrogation, and charges explained

Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested by Kochi City Police on April 19, 2025, following nearly four hours of intensive questioning in a high-profile drug investigation. The development came just days after the actor allegedly fled a Kochi hotel during a targeted anti-narcotics raid conducted by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF), raising fresh concerns about celebrity involvement in Kerala’s growing drug abuse problem.

According to police sources, Shine Tom Chacko’s arrest was formalised after he reportedly admitted to drug use during the interrogation. Authorities cited digital evidence, including mobile data and video surveillance, which allegedly placed the actor at several rave parties held at various locations in and around Kochi. The police collected samples of his blood, hair, and nails for toxicological analysis and sent them for forensic testing as part of the ongoing investigation.

What charges has Shine Tom Chacko been booked under?

The actor has been charged under multiple provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Specifically, Section 27(b) pertains to the consumption of narcotic substances, while Section 29 deals with abetment or criminal conspiracy in drug-related offences. In addition, Shine Tom Chacko has also been booked under Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with the destruction of evidence and providing misleading information during the course of an investigation.

While the actor’s legal team sought to downplay the situation as “non-violent personal use,” police officials indicated that the scope of the investigation could widen, with potential links to suppliers and organisers of illicit parties still under scrutiny. The arrest comes at a time when Kerala’s law enforcement agencies have stepped up anti-drug operations in urban centres like Kochi, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, following a surge in synthetic drug seizures.

What happened during the hotel raid?

The current probe stems from an anti-narcotics operation conducted earlier this week at a luxury hotel in Kochi. During the raid, Shine Tom Chacko allegedly managed to flee the premises before officials could question him. His actions were flagged as suspicious, prompting the Kochi Police to summon him for questioning.

Investigators claim the actor initially denied involvement, but later confessed to drug use when presented with corroborative evidence, including chats retrieved from his phone that hinted at drug procurement and party arrangements. Police are also reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the hotel and nearby venues to map out the sequence of events leading to the actor’s attempted evasion.

What is the broader impact on Malayalam cinema?

This is not the first time Shine Tom Chacko has been entangled in a drug-related controversy. In 2015, he was arrested at the Cochin International Airport along with four others for alleged possession of cocaine. However, he was acquitted earlier this year due to lack of sufficient evidence. The recurrence of allegations is now fuelling intense debate in the Malayalam film industry over accountability and drug misuse.

The actor’s re-arrest is seen as a major embarrassment for the industry, especially at a time when several actors and filmmakers have been actively participating in public campaigns against drug abuse. Industry insiders suggest that the Kerala Film Chamber may take a stronger stance if the medical reports confirm substance abuse.

Is the investigation likely to expand?

Authorities believe the current case could lead to further arrests. Police sources indicate that several names surfaced during Shine Tom Chacko’s questioning, possibly pointing toward a wider network involving event organisers, dealers, and other individuals in the entertainment circuit. Investigators are now analysing call data records and social media footprints to identify connections that may lead to larger criminal conspiracies.

Moreover, given the actor’s previous brush with the law and the media attention surrounding the case, enforcement agencies are expected to pursue this investigation vigorously. The Kochi Police have also urged the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious gatherings or individuals suspected of promoting drug culture.

Has Shine Tom Chacko been granted bail?

Despite the severity of the charges, Shine Tom Chacko was granted conditional bail on Saturday evening. He has been directed to appear before the investigation team again on April 22 for further questioning. Police clarified that the actor’s release on bail was in line with procedural law but confirmed that he remains a primary suspect and that further legal action would depend on toxicology reports and digital forensic analysis.

Legal experts indicate that a conviction under the NDPS Act for personal consumption can attract imprisonment of up to one year and/or a fine, depending on the quantity of drugs involved. However, if abetment or conspiracy charges are proven, the penalties could be significantly more severe.

What’s the public and political reaction?

The case has sparked widespread discussion across social media, with hashtags like #ShineTomChacko and #MalayalamCinema trending on X (formerly Twitter). While some fans have expressed disappointment and called for accountability, others have defended the actor, citing due process and privacy concerns. Politicians and anti-narcotics campaigners have also weighed in, urging the state government to impose stricter regulations to curb drug abuse, especially in high-income social circles.

Several civil society organisations have pointed to the need for rehabilitation over incarceration, particularly for first-time offenders or those dealing with addiction. However, law enforcement authorities maintain that public figures must be held to a higher standard due to their influence on young audiences.