In a major development in the Alappuzha hybrid ganja case, actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi have received notices from the Excise Department, directing them to appear before investigating officers within a week. The notice follows a statement by the primary accused, Tasleem Sultana, who alleged that the two actors were recipients of narcotics from her.
Currently, a crucial phase of evidence collection is underway in Ernakulam, where the accused are being brought in for further proceedings. Authorities are retrieving key data from Tasleem’s mobile phone, including WhatsApp chats and images. Several photographs, including those of models and other women, have reportedly been extracted from her phone. Interestingly, the entire chat history involving Shine Tom Chacko appears to have been deleted. One revealing exchange shows Tasleem asking Sreenath Bhasi whether he wanted “hybrid,” to which he responded, “WAIT.” This chat occurred just two days before Tasleem’s arrest.
Shine Tom Chacko has admitted to having ties with Tasleem during a recent police inquiry in Kochi. Sreenath Bhasi also acknowledged receiving a message from her, as stated in his anticipatory bail plea filed in the High Court.
The Excise Department has seized 3 kg of hybrid cannabis so far and suspects that an additional 3 kg was brought to Ernakulam by Tasleem. Efforts are underway to determine the recipients of the contraband. Tasleem has also disclosed details of her previous arrest in a gold smuggling case in 2017, during which she was held in Tihar Jail for five days. Her testimony suggests she shared more than just a transactional connection with the actors in question, implying a deeper involvement in the drug network.
