Malayalam Actor Shafeeq 'Alku' Arrested for Illegal Liquor Network in Ernakulam
The Ernakulam Excise Range team has made a significant arrest, detaining junior actor Shafeeq, popularly known by his nickname 'Alku', for allegedly running an extensive illegal late-night liquor distribution network. The actor gained public recognition after his appearance in the Abrid Shine and Nivin Pauly film 'Action Hero Biju'.
Excise Officials Seize Substantial Alcohol Stock During Night Inspection
According to official reports, the arrest occurred during a special night inspection operation led by the Excise Range Inspector. Authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of alcohol totaling 52 liters, which included 15 liters of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 58 bottles of beer amounting to 37.7 liters. The operation revealed that Shafeeq was systematically delivering liquor to customers after midnight, typically responding to specific requests.
Shafeeq, originally from Tirurangadi, has worked as a junior artist in several Malayalam films. His nickname 'Alku' reportedly originated from his involvement in the underground liquor trade. Excise officials detailed that he identified customers in Ernakulam town who required alcohol after regular shops had closed and transported the illicit stock using his personal vehicle. The enforcement team also seized the car utilized for these illegal deliveries.
From Viral Selfie to Film Debut: Shafeeq's Unusual Entry into Cinema
The actor's journey into the film industry began with an unconventional incident that propelled him into the public eye. Shafeeq made his cinematic debut through the film 'Autorsha', starring Anusree in the lead role. His entry into cinema followed a remarkable event where, during a police action involving a petty criminal, Shafeeq took a selfie with a police officer restraining the culprit.
This photograph went viral after he posted it on social media platforms, generating unexpected popularity that subsequently helped him secure small acting opportunities in Malayalam cinema. The viral moment served as an unexpected launchpad for his brief film career, which now stands overshadowed by his recent legal troubles.
Parallel Controversy: 'Action Hero Biju' Title Dispute Escalates in Legal Arena
In a separate but related development concerning the Action Hero Biju franchise, the long-running dispute between actor Nivin Pauly and producer P.S. Shamnas has taken a significant legal turn. The Kerala High Court recently directed that both related cases be resolved through formal mediation processes.
According to legal reports, the court specifically instructed the Palarivattom Police to refrain from taking "harsh or coercive action" against Shamnas based on the actor's complaint. The primary case revolves around Nivin Pauly's allegation that Shamnas forged his signature to obtain title rights for the upcoming film 'Action Hero Biju 2'. The actor contends that this forgery misrepresented his involvement and substantially harmed the project's integrity.
The High Court has also brought a second dispute—between director Abrid Shine and Shamnas—under the same mediation umbrella. The court has formally assigned the mediation proceedings to its official Mediation Centre, aiming for a comprehensive resolution of all interconnected conflicts. Meanwhile, Abrid Shine's most recent directorial venture is the film 'Spa', which represents his latest cinematic offering.
The arrest of Shafeeq 'Alku' highlights ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal alcohol distribution networks in Kerala, while the parallel legal developments surrounding the 'Action Hero Biju' franchise underscore the complex contractual and creative disputes that occasionally emerge within the Malayalam film industry.
