Malayalam director Aashiq Abu and actress Rima Kallingal have lashed out at a leading Malayalam daily and its journalist for coming up with fake news regarding them and popular Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil in the Shine Tom Chacko cocaine case.
The director and actors have now decided to file a defamation case against the media house.
Recently, Malayalam daily Mangalam had published a story about Kochi police seeking permission from higher authorities to question Aashiq Abu, Rima Kallingal and Fahadh Faasil in relation to the controversial cocaine case, which involved actor Shine Tom Chacko.
The report stirred controversy and was much publicised. However, the news later turned out to be false when police confirmed that no such move was made from their side.
Once the rumours were cleared, Aashiq Abu wrote on his Facebook page that he along with his wife and actress Rima Kallingal and actor Fahadh Faasil will file a defamation case against the newspaper. He also cited former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan who had falled victim to such "yellow journalism" by the same journalist.
He added that the compensation amount, which he will receiving on this case, will be handed over to Nambi Narayanan.
Meanwhile, Aashiq Abu said that Shine Tom Chacko is his friend and will always remains so. In case Shine has done anything illegal, he will punished by the law. He also extended his support to authorities and said that he will cooperate with them in case they need help.
Actress Rima Kallingal also expressed her disappointment over the issue. The actress, who is also a journalism graduate, said that she has always looked up to the profession and said that such action by one journalist brings bad name to the others in the profession.
