FEFKA Suspends Directors Khalid Rahman & Ashraf Hamza Following Drug Case In Kochi
Kochi, Kerala: Following their arrest in a drug-related case, young Malayalam directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza have been suspended by FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). The suspension comes in the wake of their recent detention for possession of hybrid ganja.
In response to the incident, the FEFKA leadership had instructed the Directors’ Union to take strict action against the duo, reported Mathrubhumi News.
The federation has made it clear that it will not tolerate any association with individuals involved in substance abuse on or off film sets.
FEFKA General Secretary B Unnikrishnan had earlier stated that the organisation would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offences in the industry and that decisive action would be taken in such cases.
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.
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.
Also, read| Directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza Arrested In Kochi For Possession Of Hybrid Ganja
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 were 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.
