Shine Tom Chacko gets final warning from FEFKA over addiction issues

Kochi: Actor Shine Tom Chacko, currently out on bail following his arrest for drug use, received a final warning from the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) office-bearers on Tuesday after he said he would mend his ways.

FEFKA, the umbrella organisation representing 19 film-related groups ranging from directors to light technicians, held a detailed discussion with Chacko, who attended the meeting alongside his parents, according to general secretary B. Unnikrishnan.

“At our meeting, Chacko was told in very clear terms that he has to get rid of his habit, which has taken a heavy toll not just on him but on the industry. We have told him that he has to undergo professional assistance to kick the habit. He asked for one last chance to mend his ways,” said Unnikrishnan.

“He is definitely an actor with a lot of mettle, and we have told him that there will be no more chances given to him, as the industry here is in doldrums due to various reasons, and this sort of behaviour is in no way acceptable. So one last chance has been given,” he added.

Unnikrishnan revealed that prior to their discussion with Shine Tom Chacko, the FEFKA team had consulted with officials from the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and actor Mohanlal.

On April 19 (Saturday), Chacko, who had been avoiding the police for three days, finally appeared at the North Ernakulam police station. Following nearly three hours of questioning, his arrest was recorded under Sections 27 and 29 of the NDPS Act.

As the charges were bailable at the station level, he was released on bail after paying a fine.

Additionally, a formal case has been registered against him.

During questioning, Shine Tom Chacko allegedly confessed to drug use after being presented with digital evidence, such as phone records and footage of his involvement in rave parties around Kochi.

Following his admission, authorities documented his arrest and conducted a routine medical examination. An anti-doping test was also administered, with results still pending.

Notably, this isn't Chacko's first encounter with drug-related accusations. In February, he was acquitted along with four women models in a 2015 cocaine use case after the prosecution failed to prove the charges.

The latest controversy began last week when Chacko reportedly fled during a police raid linked to a drug use case.

(inputs from IANS)