Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police arrested Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychiatric Drugs (NDPS) Act on Saturday. He was later released on bail at night.
Police accused Shine of charges under Section 27 (b) and Section 29 of the NDPS Act, which was related to consumption of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances and temporary and criminal conspiracies. In addition, he was registered under BNS Section 238 to destroy evidence and provide false information to protect the criminal. The case was filed at the Ernakulam Town North Police Department.
Sources said Shine refuted allegations of drug use during the inquiry. However, when the police faced the evidence, the actor admitted to using drugs. The case was established based on evidence collected against him, including the analysis of WhatsApp chat, Google Pay Transactions and the inconsistencies in his statement.
When asked why he fled when he arrived at the hotel on Wednesday, the actor claimed he was worried about a gang designed to hurt him. He mentioned that while peeking at the peephole, he saw several big men standing outside his room.
“I had financial contacts with many people and had enemies. I thought Goins had attacked me,” he said, explaining that he was not scared when he jumped from the third floor because his only goal was to escape potential threats.
The actor told police he had not suffered any harm from the high jump. According to police, the case was registered after evidence of drug use and inducement was received.
During the inquiry, Shine was taken to Ernakulam General Hospital for medical examination. His blood, hair and nail samples were tested in a laboratory.
During a seven and a half hours inquiry at the North Police Department, the officers obtained important information, which led to his arrest after seeking legal advice. Initially, Shine kept his position, but he began to falter under further doubt.
He couldn’t convince the explanation of his phone number to the drug dealer. Furthermore, the actor denied allegations of misconduct with co-actor Vince Aloshious and asserted that the claims of the Malayalam film “Soothravakyam” on drug use are unfounded. He stressed that neither the director nor the film crew would support any allegations of drug use during the filming process.
Shine also revealed that last year his father took him to a drug center and he was discharged from the hospital 12 days later.
Meanwhile, police have issued a notice requiring Shine to appear before investigating officials on April 22, at which time the results of the medical examination will be provided.
