Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi appeared before the Excise Department in Alappuzha on Monday. The duo is linked to a recent seizure of hybrid marijuana worth around ₹2 crore.
The case began with the arrest of Thasleema Sultana, also known as Christina, and an accomplice at a resort in Alappuzha on April 2. Authorities seized 3 kilograms of hybrid marijuana, valued at ₹2-3 crore. Thasleema revealed she supplied drugs to the film and tourism industries, naming Shine and Sreenath among others.
Digital Evidence Surfaces
WhatsApp chats and call records from Thasleema’s phone implicated Shine and Sreenath. Although concrete evidence of drug transactions is lacking, suspicious conversations were found. Thasleema claimed to have used drugs with both actors.
Actors’ History with Drugs
Shine was arrested in a cocaine case in 2015 but was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Sreenath was linked to a drug case involving a gangster last year. Shine recently checked out of a de-addiction center and arrived at the excise office at 7:30 am, two and a half hours early. Sreenath initially dismissed the allegations but cooperated with the investigation.
Further Investigations
A Kochi-based model, Soumya, has been summoned for questioning. The excise department has issued summons to three others, including a reality show contestant and a film industry professional. Investigators are gathering more evidence with the help of digital forensics experts.