Shine Tom Chacko Arrested in Drug-Related Case, Granted Bail After Interrogation
Kochi | April 19, 2025 — Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko found himself in legal trouble yet again after being arrested by Kochi City police on Saturday in connection with an ongoing drug-related case. The arrest came following an intense interrogation that lasted over four hours at the Ernakulam Town North police station. He was later granted bail the same evening.
The actor appeared at the station around 10 a.m. in response to a police summons linked to a recent incident that raised eyebrows across the film and media fraternity. The case revolves around Chacko allegedly fleeing a Kochi hotel in Kaloor during a late-night anti-narcotics raid carried out by the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) on Wednesday night.
According to the FIR, Shine and another individual, Ahmmed Murshad, 25, from Malappuram—who was reportedly present in the hotel room—were both booked under multiple sections. These include Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for tampering with evidence, and Sections 27(b) and 29 of the NDPS Act, which relate to drug consumption and criminal conspiracy. All charges in this case are bailable.
Suspicious Behavior and Alleged Escape
The FIR states that Shine and Murshad were suspected to be in the hotel room either for using narcotic substances or plotting related activity. Chacko’s act of escaping the hotel during the raid is being viewed as a deliberate attempt to avoid cooperating with law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Shine was taken to the Ernakulam General Hospital, where a battery of tests was conducted. Samples of his blood, urine, saliva, hair, and nails were collected for forensic analysis to determine both recent and prolonged substance use.
During questioning, Shine reportedly claimed that he ran from the hotel out of fear, believing the team at his door were attackers, not police officers.
Digital and CCTV Evidence Collected
The investigation appears to be thorough. Police officials are examining his mobile phone records and WhatsApp chats. CCTV footage of his escape has also been retrieved. As per the footage, the actor allegedly jumped from the third floor to the second, crossed the pool area, and exited through the lobby before riding away on a two-wheeler.
The DANSAF team initially arrived at the hotel based on a tip-off about a suspected drug peddler. They were surprised to find Chacko listed in the guest register and decided to approach his room, which led to the controversial escape.
Interestingly, despite a detailed room search, no drugs were recovered.
Past Legal History
This isn’t the first time Shine Tom Chacko has faced drug-related allegations. He was previously arrested in a high-profile narcotics case back in 2015 but was recently acquitted by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court due to procedural errors made by the investigating team at the time.
On Saturday, his family, including his parents and brother, visited the police station. Shine was released on bail at approximately 5:40 p.m.
