Thiruvananthapuram: The arrest of Shajimon, a 50-year-old resident of Adimali in Idukki, by the Excise Department the other day has spotlighted his rise as an underworld kingpin, challenging the narratives of cinematic stories. Known as the "South Indian drug don", Shaji's life is eventful enough to be a film script. Years ago, he began his criminal career by engaging in hooch trade in the interior areas of Idukki, which flourished with the help of some police officers.

Later, while hiding in Idukki, he met an accused in a murder case in Ernakulam, which paved the way for his entry into the underworld. With this person's assistance, he entered the counterfeit currency scene. However, the murder suspect grew suspicious that Shaji might betray him, so he sent a helper to test his loyalty. Although the test failed, before he could retaliate, the murder accused was trapped with the help of the police.

The accused was seeking revenge. Last May, in the Dindigul area, he and his gang captured Shaji, aiming to seize his wealth worth crores. Following a brutal assault, drugs and cash worth approximately Rs 1 crore from Andhra Pradesh were looted by the opposing group.

Shaji managed to escape from a lodge where the opposing group had lodged him by jumping out of the building after assaulting them. In the ensuing scuffle, local residents intervened, and the Srirangam Police arrived to take Shaji into custody. However, he made a miraculous escape again from the hospital.

Drug empire in Tamil Nadu

Shaji's drug empire is concentrated across various states in South and North India. Investigative teams suspect that Shaji kept his secrets and wealth hidden in areas surrounding Madurai. However, they have yet to locate the exact whereabouts. Shaji has resorts and properties in Kodaikanal and Dindigul. However, it is believed that his wealth is primarily hidden in the homes of trusted associates. Reports suggest that there is a key accomplice who knows all this.

Shaji, who had been evading the Excise Department for five years, was finally arrested by the Excise Enforcement Squad on Thursday early morning near Dharapuram, close to Madurai. Shajimon is also a key player in the cannabis oil trade, producing it in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and smuggling it abroad.