Directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza Arrested In Kochi For Possession Of Hybrid Ganja
Kochi, Kerala: Renowned Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with their friend Shalif Mohammed, were arrested in the early hours of Sunday by the Kerala Excise Department for possessing hybrid ganja, reported Mathrubhumi News.
The trio was apprehended during a raid at flat 506 of the Purva Grandbay apartment complex near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi.
Acting on a tip-off, the excise officials conducted the raid around 2 AM and recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja from the premises.
The flat, reportedly rented by cinematographer Sameer Thahir, was being used by the group for a private gathering allegedly related to film discussions.
Excise officials stated that the three were preparing to consume the substance when they were caught. “After interrogation, we confirmed that they have been using ganja for a long time,” KP Pramod, Excise Inspector, Ernakulam, told Manorama News.
Also, read| Actor Shine Tom Chacko Arrested In Drug Case Following Allegations By Vincy Aloshious
A case has been registered under sections 20(b)(II)A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. All three will be granted station bail shortly after their arrest.
Khalid Rahman is best known for films like Anuraga Karikkinvellam, Unda, and the recent hit Thallumala. His latest directorial venture, Alappuzha Gymkhana, is currently running successfully in theatres. Ashraf Hamza has directed acclaimed films such as Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi.
This incident comes just weeks after actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in connection with a drug-related case, sparking ongoing debates about substance abuse within the Malayalam film industry.
This latest incident comes on the heels of a highly publicised drug scandal involving Shine Tom Chacko, who was caught attempting to flee during a drug raid at a hotel.
Also, read| Vincy Aloshious Files Complaint Against Shine Tom Chacko Over Alleged Drug Use, Misconduct
He was later arrested and released on bail the same day. His arrest stirred a major controversy, especially after actress Vincy Aloshious publicly accused him of misbehaving on set while allegedly under the influence of drugs.
Vincy’s remarks triggered wider conversations within the industry, with several artists expressing concern over rampant drug use in film circles.
Actress Aparna John also came forward with allegations against Shine Tom Chacko, describing his on-set behaviour as “verbal diarrhoea” and claiming he frequently made explicit remarks around women.
