Actor Shine Tom Chacko is once again at the center of a major controversy after a dramatic drug raid at a hotel in Kochi and new allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced, reigniting longstanding concerns about substance abuse in the Malayalam film industry.

On Wednesday (16 April 2025) night around 11 PM, Shine Tom Chacko was reportedly caught on CCTV fleeing his hotel room moments before a police raid. The raid was carried out by the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) at a hotel in Ernakulam district, following revelations made by actress Vincy Aloshious.

According to police sources, Shine allegedly spotted the officers approaching Room 314 and escaped through a window, rushing down the stairs as caught on surveillance footage. The search operation was reportedly triggered by statements Vincy made about his alleged drug use and erratic behavior during a recent film shoot.

Vincy Aloshious Files Formal Complaint

Actress Vincy Aloshious had earlier filed a written complaint with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), detailing Shine Tom Chacko’s alleged inappropriate and unprofessional conduct during the shoot of Soothravakyam. In her complaint, Vincy stated that Shine, allegedly under the influence of drugs, made sexually suggestive remarks on set and even offered to “fix her costume” in front of the crew, causing discomfort and embarrassment.

The complaint also claims that Shine was visibly intoxicated during filming, with bulging eyes and erratic behavior forcing shooting schedules to be halted. Vincy noted that this was not an isolated incident, and that similar patterns of misconduct had been observed throughout the production.

In an Instagram video shared earlier, Vincy addressed backlash over her stance against drug use in the film industry. “I have the courage to admit I’m waiting for meaningful work. But this is about drawing boundaries at the workplace, not personal gain,” she stated. She emphasized that she would not work with actors known to abuse narcotics and called for stronger industry regulations and accountability.

 

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Legal History And Industry Silence

This is not Shine’s first brush with controversy. In 2015, he was arrested in connection with a cocaine party in Kochi, although he was acquitted in February 2025 after the case collapsed due to police procedural lapses and contradictions in witness statements. Despite his legal victory, rumors and visual signs of continued drug use have followed the actor over the years.

The Malayalam film industry has largely remained silent on Shine’s conduct. Neither the AMMA nor the Kerala Film Chamber had previously taken concrete action. Vincy’s new complaint has renewed public pressure on these organizations to respond.

In response to the recent complaint and hotel raid, the Kerala Film Chamber has assured that it will examine the allegations. There is growing demand within and outside the industry for stricter enforcement of anti-drug policies and for actors facing serious allegations to be barred from film projects unless cleared of wrongdoing.

The police investigation into Shine Tom Chacko’s recent actions is ongoing. With new CCTV evidence and a formal complaint in hand, authorities are now expected to determine whether legal proceedings will be initiated once again against the actor.

Shine Tom Chacko is known for his performances in films like the recent Ajith-starrer Good Bad Ugly, Malayalam movies like Ee Adutha Kaalathu, Annayum Rasoolum, Masala Republic, and Jigarthanda DoubleX.

(With inputs from News18)

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Disturbing visuals of alleged employee abuse at Kochi-based marketing firm Hindustan Power Links (operating under Keltra Marketing) have triggered widespread condemnation, with authorities launching probes into the matter. The viral video, which surfaced over the weekend, purportedly shows workers being subjected to extreme humiliation and physical abuse as “punishment” for failing to meet sales targets. However, the authenticity of the footage has now been disputed, with one featured individual claiming it was staged as part of an internal vendetta.

Graphic Allegations Of Abuse

The video, widely circulated on social media, depicts employees being:

• Paraded with belts tied around their necks like dogs, forced to crawl on all fours.
• Made to drink water from bowls placed on the floor.
• Forced to remove their pants and hold each other’s private parts.
• Punished by having salt stuffed into their mouths.
• Compelled to lick coins off the floor while mimicking a dog urinating in corners.

BREAKING: Modern-day slavery in the name of targets!

At Hindustan Power Links, workers who failed to meet targets were forced to wear belts around their necks and paraded like dogs!

They were even made to lick spit and grab each other’s private parts — horrifying abuse under… pic.twitter.com/t5htyqUQPD

— महारथी-മഹാരഥി (@MahaRathii) April 5, 2025

According to Mathrubhumi, these acts were allegedly routine for staff who missed daily sales quotas. Employees, many earning between ₹6,000–₹8,000 monthly, reportedly stayed silent due to fear of retaliation. The firm’s Kaloor Janatha Road branch, operational for over 20 years, allegedly confiscated phones to prevent leaks.

Management Denies Claims; Video Allegedly “Fabricated”

In a dramatic twist, a person seen in the video claimed it was “staged months ago” during an internal managerial dispute. He alleged a former manager, later fired, edited and leaked the footage to malign the company.

“I am still working there… the visuals were forcefully recorded and are now being misused,” he told police and labour officials.

Hindustan Power Links denied all accusations, stating it adheres to labour laws and provides employee benefits. It clarified Keltra Marketing acts only as its agent and bears no direct responsibility for the video’s claims.

Government And Police Response

Kerala Labour Minister V. Sivankutty ordered an urgent probe, calling the acts “unacceptable in a civilized society.” The district labour officer will submit a report.

Kerala State Human Rights Commission registered a case based on a complaint by lawyer Kulathoor Jaisingh.

Kerala State Youth Commission took suo moto cognizance, directing police to investigate and submit findings.

Police are verifying the video’s origins. Initial reports suggested the incident occurred in Perumbavoor, not Kaloor. Perumbavoor police noted the firm’s owner was earlier arrested in a sexual harassment case (now out on bail).

As the investigation continues, the district labor officer is preparing a detailed report for the labor minister, while police are preparing to question those who initially raised the allegations. The case has drawn significant public attention, with Youth Congress activists staging protests outside the company’s Kaloor office.

Minister Sivankutty has emphasized that such alleged practices have no place in a civilized society and has assured that the government will take appropriate action once all facts are established.

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The Income Tax Department has issued a notice to actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran following recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the office of Gokulam Gopalan, the producer of L2: Empuraan. A report from TNIE indicates that the notice, emailed to Prithviraj on March 29, 2025, seeks clarification about his earnings from three films he acted in and co-produced in 2022. IT officials have clarified that this was an automated notice, triggered by routine tax assessments when discrepancies or questions arise, with a response due by April 29, 2025.

The probe centers on three 2022 films—Jana Gana Mana, Gold, and Kaduva—where Prithviraj starred and co-produced under his banner, Prithviraj Productions. Despite leading roles, he reportedly took no acting fees, opting instead for payments as a co-producer. The IT Department is now examining this income setup as part of standard verification.

Sources suggest he earned around ₹40 crore as a co-producer for these projects, a detail highlighted in a notice from the Kochi unit.

This isn’t Prithviraj’s first encounter with the IT Department. In 2022, his home and office were searched over alleged tax filing inconsistencies, with the investigation extending to his production company and other figures like producers Antony Perumbavoor, Listin Stephen, and Anto Joseph. The Hindu notes that the current notice is a follow-up to that earlier probe, unrelated to the L2: Empuraan controversy.

Meanwhile, on April 4, 2025, the ED raided Gokulam Gopalan’s properties, seizing ₹1.5 crore in cash amid allegations of foreign exchange violations tied to his chit fund company, though authorities insist this too is separate from the film’s issues.

The timing coincides with heightened attention on L2: Empuraan, released on March 27, 2025, starring Mohanlal, Manju Warrier, Tovino Thomas, and Abhimanyu Singh. The film, directed by Prithviraj, has smashed box office records, crossing ₹250 crore worldwide and becoming Malayalam cinema’s highest-grossing film ever.

However, it faced backlash for scenes linked to the 2002 Gujarat riots in Prithviraj’s character Zayed Masood’s backstory, prompting voluntary edits by the makers, including cutting references, altering a name, and tweaking dialogues. Despite the controversy, the Kerala High Court rejected a plea to ban the film, and it continues its theatrical run with a re-censored version.

Adding to the narrative, Prithviraj’s mother, Mallika Sukumaran, defended her son, telling Mathrubhumi News, “He has done nothing wrong,” and affirming his intent to respond appropriately.

Prithviraj also debunked rumors of a ₹25 crore ED fine, calling them “false and defamatory” and announcing legal action against the claims. As L2: Empuraan dominates headlines, the IT notice adds another layer to the unfolding saga, though officials maintain it’s a routine matter, not a targeted move.

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into businessman and film producer Gokulam Gopalan, questioning him for a second consecutive day on Saturday in connection with alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and money laundering involving over ₹1000 crores.

The raids, which began on April 4, targeted multiple premises associated with Gopalan’s business empire, including the Kodambakkam headquarters of Gokulam Chit Funds and Finance in Chennai, his residence in Neelankarai, and properties in Coimbatore and Kozhikode, Kerala. Gopalan, who was in Kozhikode at the time, was summoned to Chennai and interrogated until the early hours of Saturday. Sources confirmed that questioning would continue later in the day.

The ED concluded its search operations at the Kodambakkam office early Saturday morning, seizing approximately ₹1.5 crore in cash along with several incriminating financial documents, according to reports. Preliminary findings suggest that Gokulam Chits and Finance may have illegally received foreign remittances, including funds from Non-Resident Indians, in violation of FEMA provisions. Broader financial dealings of the Gokulam Group are also under scrutiny, with the ED’s Kochi unit—supported by its Chennai counterpart—leading the investigation.

The probe, which stems from a case registered in 2022, comes at a time when Gopalan’s latest production, L2: Empuraan, finds itself at the center of a political and cultural storm. The film, directed by communist propagandist Prithviraj Sukumaran and starring Mohanlal, has been accused of portraying national investigative agencies like the NIA, IB, and ED in a negative light, and misrepresenting sensitive events such as the Gujarat riots.

The RSS-affiliated weekly Organiser published a harsh critique of the film, triggering widespread backlash from Hindu groups and BJP leaders. In response to the growing outrage, the film’s producers approached the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to voluntarily re-edit the film. Mohanlal also issued a public apology, stating, “We sincerely regret the distress caused and have decided to remove the objectionable content.”

Despite the edits, the film continues to face rejection from sections of the Hindu community. BJP Kerala President Rajeev Chandrasekhar, along with RSS leaders J. Nandakumar and A. Jayakumar, publicly criticized the film, with several pro-RSS digital platforms amplifying the call for a boycott.

CPI(M) leader and LDF convenor T.P. Ramakrishnan has claimed that the ED’s actions are politically motivated, linking the raids to the film’s controversial content. Speaking in Madurai, he described the enforcement action as an example of “political vendetta.”

As the ED’s investigation widens and political tensions mount, Empuraan remains a lightning rod in the ongoing debate over the interplay between cinema, ideology, and state power in India.

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In a dramatic political development with deep grassroots resonance, Munambam village in Kerala’s Ernakulam district turned celebratory this week as Parliament passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill. At the heart of the jubilation lies a bitter land dispute, with the State Waqf Board staking claim to 400 acres of coastal land inhabited by over 600 families — predominantly Christians — who have lived there for generations.

174 Days Of Protest Ends In Celebration

For the past 174 days, these families held a continuous protest under the banner of Munambam Bhoo Samrakshana Samithi, demanding protection of their land rights. On Wednesday night, as the Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill — followed by the Rajya Sabha — the village erupted in celebration. Residents burst crackers, raised slogans like “Narendra Modi Zindabad,” and announced plans to celebrate.

Christians from Kerala came on the streets to celebrate Waqf Bill

400 acres in Munambam village in Ernakulam which have been declared Waqf property but where Christian families are settled.

With Waqf Bill, their issue will be resolved pic.twitter.com/2dDFvuYSbe

— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) April 4, 2025

50 Local Christians Join BJP

Joseph Benny, convener of the protest action committee, confirmed that 50 residents — all Christians and previously Congress and CPI(M) voters — joined the BJP on Thursday. Their switch signals a possible shift in political sentiment in the region, traditionally seen as a stronghold of secular parties.

BJP Leaders Join Residents In Solidarity

On Thursday, BJP Kerala state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar visited Munambam and addressed the local protesters.

“This is an important day in the state’s political history,” he said. “This agitation has given strength to the Prime Minister and Parliament to pass the amendment Bill. We will be with you until you get back revenue rights over the land. This Bill has the power to give back the revenue rights of your land.”

He further added, “The people of Munambam have been betrayed by MPs and MLAs who they had elected. But their voice reached Parliament and it is a shining moment for Indian democracy.”

Kerala News – 50 people including Christians joined BJP in Munambam to thank saffron party for passing Waqf Bill.

This area was epicenter of anti Waqf protests and this incident forced Catholic Council to back Centre's move. pic.twitter.com/mcn7W03zCl

— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) April 4, 2025

“The fight against Waqf claim over Munambam land has brought the village in national focus,” Chandrasekhar told the media. He alleged that MPs who opposed the bill were supporting appeasement politics and misleading the public.

He clarified that the bill “was not against any religion” but was intended “to ensure transparency in the functioning of the Waqf Board.”

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament is a milestone in Indian history,” he said. “The non-violent protest of the residents of Munambam village reached New Delhi and facilitated the passage of a historic bill. I am sure the bill will help restore the land rights of the residents of Munambam.”

The Syro-Malabar Church welcomed the bill, describing it as a source of relief for the families of Munambam. Many residents had also undertaken a relay hunger strike for 173 days, making the moment deeply emotional.

Chandrasekhar emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has followed the policy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas since 2014, and that the Union government has never discriminated based on caste or religion.

While Thursday was a day of joy, residents have made it clear that the protest will continue until the new law is enacted and their revenue rights are officially restored. “We are very happy and hopeful that we will finally get back our revenue rights once the bill is enacted,” said Joseph Benny.

For the villagers of Munambam, the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill marks not just a legal victory, but a powerful moment of recognition and hope.

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The post Munambam Erupts In Joy As Waqf Bill Passes; 50 Christians Join BJP In Gratitude appeared first on The Commune.

(With inputs from Mathrubhumi)

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The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the premises of Gokulam Chit Funds in Tamil Nadu and Kerala on Friday. According to sources, the raids were part of an ongoing investigation into alleged violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The searches were carried out at the company’s offices in Chennai by ED officials from Kerala.

Gokulam Chit Funds, owned by businessman and film producer AM Gopalan, popularly known as Gokulam Gopalan, operates in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Puducherry, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, and Haryana. The ED has yet to release an official statement regarding the current action.

This is not the first time the financial firm has come under scrutiny. In April 2017, the Income Tax Department had raided its offices in three states, accusing the company of tax evasion. Officials alleged that Sree Gokulam Chits had deliberately concealed significant amounts of income, including recovered bad debts and interest earnings, from its records. Sources at the time claimed that the company had failed to disclose ₹1,107 crore over five years, thereby avoiding substantial tax payments.

Gopalan himself has faced legal troubles in the past. In August 2019, his son, Byju Gopalan, was jailed in the United Arab Emirates for allegedly forging documents.

It is noteworthy that Gopalan has also made headlines as a film producer, co-producing the recently released Malayalam film L2: Empuraan, the sequel to the 2019 hit Lucifer and part of a planned trilogy by director Prithviraj Sukumaran and actor Mohanlal. The film has been the subject of controversy, with allegations that it contains covert references to the Gujarat riots, drawing criticism from right-wing groups.

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The National Investigating Agency (NIA) on Friday took four people into custody after raiding five houses in Kerala’s Malappuram district. The raids were held in continuation of the action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which conducted raids at the residences and offices of some SDPI activists in March.

The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) is the political arm of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI). It was the Kochi unit of the NIA that swooped down around 3 a.m. at five residences in the district. More details are awaited about the people who have been taken into custody. On March 6, the ED sleuths conducted raids in three districts of the state and on March 20, they again raided the houses and offices of SDPI activists.

Both these searches came after the arrest of the SDPI’s National President M.K. Faizy in connection with an alleged money laundering case tied to the PFI. Faizy was taken into custody at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on March 3 and was subsequently presented before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court at the Patiala House courts. The court then granted the ED six days of custodial interrogation. Investigators claimed that the SDPI received Rs 4.07 crore from the PFI through illegal hawala channels and allegedly funnelled the funds to its units nationwide.

Founded in 2009, the SDPI has long been accused of having close ties with the PFI, which was banned by the Union government in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its alleged involvement in anti-national activities. While the SDPI has consistently denied any direct association with the PFI, claiming to be an independent political organisation, Faizy’s arrest and the fresh raids have once again put the party’s financial dealings under the scanner. Earlier, the ED had written to the Election Commission of India seeking details of the funding and expenditure of SDPI over the years as part of its crackdown.

–IANS

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The post NIA SDPI-Linked Premises In Kerala’s Malappuram, Four In Custody appeared first on The Commune.

(With inputs from The New Indian Express)

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The Christian community in Kerala has raised serious concerns about the movie Empuraan, claiming that it promotes disturbing propaganda. Writer Murali Gopi and actor Prithviraj are facing criticism for their roles in what many see as a misrepresentation of Christian values and beliefs deliberately undermining their faith.

The Underlined Controversy 

A particular line from the film has become the center of the controversy, “When the Son of God sins, God sends a black angel.” In Christian doctrine, the “Son of God” refers to Jesus Christ, who bore the sins of humanity to redeem the world. Critics are raising concerns about what “sin” Christ is said to commit in Empuraan, and questioning the identity of the “black angel” that God allegedly sends. They are also asking where this concept originates in Christian scripture, as it seems to diverge from traditional teachings.

Even if this line is simply a fictional plot device, its implications are troubling. The film seems to not only cast shadows on Christ but also diminish the power of God Himself. By introducing characters like Lucifer and other dark entities, the movie risks distorting the core tenets of Christianity. One key moment in the film involves Lucifer claiming that God resurrected him due to the Son of God’s sin. This runs counter to Christian belief, which holds that Jesus’ resurrection was a triumph over death, not the resurrection of Satan. If God were to raise Lucifer, it would undermine the entire foundation of Christian faith, challenging the omnipotence of God.

Experimenting on Religious Tolerance

What if such audacious claims had been made about Islam? A film that fabricated similar concepts about the Quran, Allah, or the Prophet would likely cause an uproar. Protests would undoubtedly follow. Yet, when it comes to Christianity, the silence from the community is conspicuous and unsettling. Why does this double standard exist? Is it apathy or a misplaced sense of tolerance that allows such portrayals of Christianity to go unchallenged?

A Troubling Location

Another significant point of concern in Empuraan is its depiction of Qaragosh, the only Christian town in Iraq, which was ravaged by ISIS. The town witnessed horrific massacres, where innocent Christians were murdered in the name of jihad, and churches were destroyed. Yet, in a particularly troubling sequence, Empuraan stages a pivotal scene inside a ruined church in Qaragosh. Lucifer uses the church as a backdrop for a meeting to strike a deal with an African drug lord. Why choose this location—one that has become a symbol of Christian suffering under Islamic extremism?

Inside the church, a character named Sayyid Masood, whose name has Islamic connotations, helps Lucifer bring about “justice.” At the climax of the scene, a crucifix from the shattered church falls, breaking into pieces, with the letter “L” remaining intact—a clear reference to Lucifer. The camera pans out to show the ruined church, leaving viewers with a chilling image and an ominous message.

Is this all just artistic freedom, or is there a more deliberate agenda behind these choices? When filmmakers have countless locations and storylines at their disposal, why choose one so charged with historical and religious significance? This specific sequence raises the question: if other religions were targeted in a similar manner, would it be allowed to pass without challenge?

The fact that Christianity seems to be portrayed as an easy target is troubling, especially when its followers are often passive in their response.

Mohanlal’s Response

Recently, superstar Mohanlal addressed concerns over the political and social themes in Empuraan in a Facebook post dated 30 March. He acknowledged that some elements of the film had caused distress among his fans and assured them that the team had decided to remove those references.

“As an artist, it is my duty to ensure that none of my films promote hatred towards any political movement, ideology, or religious group,” Mohanlal wrote. He further expressed his regret for any distress caused and promised that the problematic content would be removed from the film.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Empuraan highlights the delicate balance between artistic freedom and respect for religious beliefs. While filmmakers have the right to explore various themes, they must also be mindful of the potential harm caused when sacred beliefs are misrepresented or distorted for the sake of entertainment.

(With Inputs From Organiser)

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