In a dramatic twist straight out of a thriller, Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko is at the centre of a major drug-related controversy after he allegedly fled from a Kochi hotel during a police raid late Wednesday night.
Around 11 pm, a special team from the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF), acting on a tip-off and allegations raised by actress Vincy Aloshious, raided Room 314 of a hotel in Ernakulam. 
According to reports, Shine spotted the officers approaching and escaped through the window, climbed down to the second floor, and fled via the staircase&mdash;an act reportedly captured on CCTV footage.
The footage shows a man, believed to be Shine, running down the stairs in haste. Following the escape, a manhunt has been launched, but the actor remains untraceable.
The raid follows serious allegations made by actress Vincy Aloshious, who recently spoke at an anti-drug campaign about her traumatic experience working with a co-star allegedly under the influence of drugs. Though she initially withheld the actor&rsquo;s name, she later identified Shine Tom Chacko in a complaint to the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Film Chamber.
Vincy accused Shine of inappropriate and unprofessional behaviour during the shoot of the film&nbsp;Soothravakyam. &ldquo;When I had a minor issue with my costume, he offered to fix it in front of everyone,&rdquo; she said, also alleging that she witnessed him exhaling a white, powdery substance during a rehearsal.
In an emotional Instagram video, Vincy addressed criticism for speaking out, saying: &ldquo;I have the courage to admit I&rsquo;m waiting for meaningful work. But this is about drawing boundaries at the workplace, not personal gain.&rdquo;
The controversy intensified after Film Chamber General Secretary Saji Nandiyattu publicly revealed Shine&rsquo;s name, despite Vincy requesting confidentiality in her written complaint. Vincy has since stated she will no longer cooperate with the Film Chamber.
This isn&rsquo;t the first time Shine has made headlines for the wrong reasons. He was previously named by a drug peddler as a client, prompting scrutiny from excise officials. In light of the latest developments, the Excise Department has announced plans to investigate both Shine Tom Chacko and actor Srinath Bhasi in connection with narcotics use in the Malayalam film industry.
Shine, known for films like Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Chapters, Annayum Rasoolum, Masala Republic, and Jigarthanda DoubleX, has not yet commented on the incident. Meanwhile, AMMA and other film industry bodies have pledged to take the matter seriously.
(with inputs from IANS)

Vincy Aloshious’ revelations prompt police action; CCTV shows Shine escaping through hotel window

Actor Shine Chacko Flees During Police Drug Raid

Vincy Aloshious’ revelations prompt police action; CCTV shows Shine escaping through hotel window

April 17, 2025 | 17:59 IST