Illegal liquor network busted: ‘Action Hero Biju’ actor Shafeeq arrested; 52 litres seized; car confiscated

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to illegal activities, police action, and ongoing legal disputes. Some readers may find it disturbing.The Ernakulam Excise Range team arrested junior actor Shafeeq who is also known as ‘Alku’ for running an illegal late-night liquor distribution network. He became familiar to the public after appearing in the Abrid Shine and Nivin Pauly film 'Action Hero Biju'. As reported by News 18, the officials seized 52 litres of alcohol, including 15 litres of IMFL and 58 bottles (37.7 litres) of beer. The arrest happened during a special night inspection led by the Excise Range Inspector. Officers stated that he was delivering liquor to customers after midnight, usually upon request.Shafeeq, who hails from Tirurangadi, has acted in several Malayalam films as a junior artist. His nickname ‘Alku’ reportedly came from his involvement in the underground liquor trade. According to excise officials, he identified customers in Ernakulam town who needed alcohol after shops closed and transported the stock in his personal vehicle. The team also seized the car used for these deliveries.The actor made his film debut through 'Autorsha', which starred Anusree in the lead. His entry into cinema came after an unusual incident. During a police action involving a petty criminal, Shafeeq took a selfie with a police officer restraining the culprit. The photograph went viral after he posted it on social media. The sudden popularity helped him receive small acting opportunities in Malayalam cinema. In a separate development connected to the Action Hero Biju franchise, the long-running dispute between actor Nivin Pauly and producer P.S. Shamnas has taken a new legal turn.Reportedly the Kerala High Court had recently directed that both related cases be resolved through mediation. According to reports from the Reporter website, the court instructed the Palarivattom Police not to take “harsh or coercive action” against Shamnas based on the actor’s complaint.The first case concerns Nivin Pauly’s allegation that Shamnas forged his signature to obtain the title rights of the upcoming film Action Hero Biju 2. The actor claims the forgery misrepresented his involvement and harmed the project.The High Court also brought a second dispute—between director Abrid Shine and Shamnas—under the same mediation umbrella. The court assigned the mediation to its official Mediation Centre.On the other hand, Abrid Shine's recent film is 'Spa'.