Kochi: Former PSC chairman and BJP leader Dr K S Radhakrishnan has levelled serious allegations against actor Shine Tom Chacko. In a Facebook post, he alleged that a minister in the state government is acting as the actor’s protector, and that a leading superstar from the Malayalam film industry is also shielding him.

He further claimed that a gang known as the "Mattancherry mafia" is involved in the drug trade in Kochi, and that the government of Kerala appears to be afraid of film superstars and film organisations.

 

Dr Radhakrishnan posted his remarks under the title, “Who is Shine Tom Chacko’s protector?”

In his post, he stated that it is common knowledge that a prominent minister in the state government is safeguarding Shine Tom Chacko. He added that there are also allegations that a superstar in the Malayalam film industry is protecting Chacko.

According to him, when the police arrived at a hotel last night after receiving information that drugs were being used, Shine Tom Chacko allegedly escaped by jumping from the third floor.

He noted that just two days ago, the actor had been acquitted in connection with a drug case dating back to 2015. He claimed that the court verdict revealed that it was not that the actor was exonerated, but rather that the police had deliberately helped him avoid punishment. The investigation and registration of the case had been carried out in violation of proper procedures, and this, he alleged, was facilitated by the same superstar who is a close associate of Chacko.

Dr Radhakrishnan reiterated that it has long been rumoured that the “Mattancherry mafia” has a role in Kochi's drug trade, yet no action has been taken. He remarked that Kerala appears to be governed by a state that is afraid of film stars and their organisations.

He also referred to long-standing allegations that the drug mafia is actively involved in film production, both financially and operationally. He claimed that organisations such as AMMA and FEFKA are well aware of this, but have failed to take any effective action.

While the government and various public organisations are campaigning and working to curb the drug trade, it is alarming, he said, that drug deals involving members of the film industry are taking place in the heart of the city. He further alleged that ministers, political leaders and prominent film personalities are acting in unison to protect such individuals.

Dr Radhakrishnan went on to allege that some lawyers and police officers in Kochi are colluding in this matter. He added that even discussions related to this issue are being suppressed within the corridors of power.

He also raised the recent serious allegation that Shine Tom Chacko had misbehaved with a fellow actress on a film set. He questioned why a film producer and director would continue to support an actor who allegedly takes drugs, misbehaves and derives pleasure from harassing female co-actors.

He criticised the political leadership, film organisations and ruling authorities for their alleged silence, asking why they are afraid of the drug mafia. He said that smuggling, black markets and black money have been part of the film industry since the time of Haji Mastan, and now, he alleged, drugs and extremist elements are also infiltrating the industry.

Dr Radhakrishnan urged the Chief Minister to take active interest in the matter. He also pointed out that a female actor had filed a sexual harassment complaint with the AMMA organisation. As it is a criminal offence, he stated, the organisation is legally obliged to report it to the police. He also questioned why the film body failed to fulfil this responsibility.