Kochi, 22 Dec (H.S.):In a major twist to the drug case involving Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, the forensic report submitted to the police has confirmed that there is no evidence of illegal drug consumption, dealing a blow to the accusations raised during a controversial hotel raid in Kochi earlier this year.
The chemical analysis, conducted at the State Forensic Science Laboratory, revealed that the samples collected from the actor tested negative for narcotic substances. With the primary allegation now disproven, police sources from Ernakulam North indicate that charges under Section 27 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act are likely to be withdrawn.
The case dates back to April 16, when Kochi City Police carried out a late-night raid at a hotel in Kaloor as part of ‘Operation D-Hunt,’ a statewide initiative against drug abuse. Following a tip-off regarding a suspected drug peddler, officers from the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) entered the premises and later claimed that Shine and a companion were allegedly consuming drugs in one of the rooms.
The incident gained widespread attention after visuals emerged showing the actor attempting to flee through a window from the third floor. Police asserted that his behaviour suggested drug influence, while Shine later stated he ran fearing the men at the hotel were “goons” attempting to attack him. He subsequently presented himself for questioning, and the police collected blood and other samples for laboratory analysis.
The recent forensic findings now undermine the police narrative, leaving the investigation with insufficient grounds to pursue narcotics-related charges. Without scientific proof, officials admit it will be difficult to proceed further.
This is not the first time the actor has found himself under scrutiny in a narcotics-related probe. Shine had been questioned earlier in connection with a hybrid ganja case in Alappuzha involving a woman named Taslima, but the Excise Department later stated there was no evidence linking him to the contraband.
During previous interrogations, Shine reportedly acknowledged past use of methamphetamine but denied using hybrid ganja. He had also informed officials that he was undergoing voluntary treatment at a de-addiction centre and had paused film commitments to focus on recovery.
With the latest report clearing him of drug use in the Kochi hotel incident, the actor appears set to walk free from yet another high-profile narcotics allegation—this time backed firmly by forensic evidence.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
