Malayalam actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi were recently questioned by Excise officials in Alappuzha on Monday, April 28, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into a drug case. The case is related to the seizure of hybrid ganja, with an estimated value of ₹2 crore, from a woman earlier in April.

The Excise Department issued notices to both actors after analyzing digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, found on the phone of Thasleema Sulthana, who was arrested in connection with the ganja seizure. These chats allegedly established links between her and the actors, leading investigators to believe that she had previously supplied drugs to them.

According to reports, Thasleema Sulthana, also known as Christina, ran a narcotics network with an accomplice named Firoz, targeting high-profile clients, particularly in the Malayalam film industry. Their operations were primarily based between Kochi and Alappuzha. Thasleema and her husband Sultan Akbar Ali, along with K. Feroze, have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigators believe that Sultan brought the drugs, cultivated in Bangkok, Thailand, from Malaysia for distribution in Kerala, specifically targeting the film and tourism sectors.

Sreenath Bhasi, while not listed as an accused in the case, had previously sought anticipatory bail from the Kerala High Court, fearing arrest based on Thasleema's claims. However, he withdrew the plea the same day. In his bail petition, Bhasi stated that he met Thasleema during a film shoot in Kozhikode, where she introduced herself as a fan. He claimed she later sent him a WhatsApp message offering cannabis, but he believed she was joking and did not pursue the conversation.

Shine Tom Chacko, on the other hand, has a history of alleged drug use. He was arrested on April 21 for alleged drug use linked to a separate narcotics raid at a Kochi hotel, where he reportedly attempted to flee. He was granted station bail after a nearly four-hour interrogation. Furthermore, Shine Tom Chacko was recently in the news for alleged drug consumption on the film sets of 'Soothravakyam'. A complaint was filed with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce for alleged drug consumption and misconduct.

During the interrogation on April 28, both Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi reportedly denied any drug dealings with the accused in the hybrid ganja case. However, Excise officials stated that Mr. Chacko admitted to drug use and was subsequently shifted to a de-addiction center in Thodupuzha with the permission of his family. He will be under the surveillance of the Excise department.

Adding to the complexities, producer Haseeb Malabar recently accused Sreenath Bhasi of demanding cannabis during a film shoot, alleging that the actor wouldn't be in the right mood to work without it. These allegations and the ongoing investigation have cast a shadow over both actors' careers.

The investigation is being led by Excise Assistant Commissioner S. Ashok Kumar. The Excise officials have stated that the actors may be summoned again for further questioning if necessary.

In addition to the actors, a woman model named Sowmya was also questioned by the Excise team, reportedly due to her close ties with Thasleema and the actors.