The Kerala Police are set to issue a formal notice to prominent Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko after he allegedly fled a hotel in Kochi during a surprise anti-narcotics raid conducted by the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) on Wednesday night. This development coincides with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) announcing an emergency meeting to address a separate complaint filed by actress Vincy Aloshious, who has accused Shine Tom Chacko of on-set misconduct under the alleged influence of drugs.
The incident at the hotel near Kaloor unfolded around 10:45 PM when the DANSAF team arrived in search of an individual involved in a drug case. While the primary suspect was not apprehended, police officers noticed Shine Tom Chacko’s name in the hotel registry. Upon approaching his room on the third floor, the actor allegedly made a hasty exit, triggering a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his departure.
According to police sources, CCTV footage corroborates that the person seen fleeing the hotel premises was indeed Shine Tom Chacko. Initial reports suggest that the actor, upon realizing the presence of law enforcement, jumped out of his third-floor window onto a sheet covering the floor below. The sheet reportedly tore upon impact, after which he allegedly leapt into the swimming pool on the same floor and subsequently left the hotel via the staircase.
While no narcotics were recovered from the hotel room, authorities have stated their intent to question the actor to ascertain the reason for his abrupt departure. “The motive behind his sudden disappearance remains unclear, and a detailed investigation is underway,” a senior police official stated. Statements from hotel staff are also being recorded as part of the ongoing probe.
In the aftermath of the incident, Shine Tom Chacko posted a cryptic video on his Instagram account, seemingly mocking the media reports and speculation surrounding his whereabouts. The video depicted him running into a bathroom and returning, captioned: “For those asking where Shine Tom Chacko is, here’s the exclusive footage. What more can I say?” He later shared a poster of his upcoming film, ‘Soothravakyam’.
This incident has further intensified the scrutiny surrounding Shine Tom Chacko, particularly in light of the recent allegations of on-set misconduct leveled against him by actress Vincy Aloshious. Aloshious, who has been vocal about the prevalence of drug use within the Malayalam film industry, formally named Shine Tom Chacko in a complaint submitted to the Film Chamber and AMMA.
In her complaint, Aloshious alleged that Shine Tom Chacko behaved inappropriately towards her and another female actor while seemingly under the influence of drugs during the shooting of ‘Soothravakyam’. She recounted instances of verbal abuse and uncomfortable behavior, stating that she even witnessed him allegedly consuming a white powdery substance on set.
“For example, I had a problem with my dress and I went to fix it. Then he said, ‘I too will come and do it for you.’ He said this in front of everyone,” 1 Aloshious told reporters, refraining from naming the actor initially but later confirming it was Shine Tom Chacko in her formal complaints. She also highlighted the reluctance of junior artists to speak out against established actors’ misconduct.
Following Aloshious’s public statements and formal complaints, AMMA has announced that an ad hoc committee meeting will be convened urgently to discuss the matter and decide on the appropriate course of action. The organization has stated that if a formal complaint is received naming a member, and if the allegations are substantiated, disciplinary action will be taken.
The Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), an organization advocating for gender equality and the rights of women in the Malayalam film industry, has extended its support to Vincy Aloshious. In a statement, the WCC commended her courage in speaking out against the alleged inappropriate behavior and highlighted the “harsh reality of widespread alcohol and drug use on many Malayalam film sets.” The WCC emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents to internal complaints committees.
It is noteworthy that Shine Tom Chacko was previously acquitted in a 2015 drug case by the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court, which cited procedural lapses in the police investigation during the seizure and arrest. However, this recent incident and the allegations of on-set misconduct have reignited concerns about his behavior and the broader issue of substance abuse within the industry.
Kerala Excise Minister M B Rajesh has stated that all complaints and revelations related to drug use in the film industry will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. The current situation underscores the growing calls for stricter measures to address drug abuse and ensure a safe and respectful working environment within the Malayalam film industry.
The outcome of the police investigation into Shine Tom Chacko’s alleged escape and the decisions taken by AMMA in response to Vincy Aloshious’s complaint are keenly awaited by the industry and the public alike. These developments are expected to have significant repercussions for the actor and could potentially lead to broader discussions and reforms within the Malayalam film fraternity regarding substance abuse and professional conduct on film sets.
