Malayalam Film Directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza Arrested for Possession of Drugs, Released on Bail
In a significant development, two Malayalam film directors, Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, were arrested by the Excise Department on drug possession charges in Kochi, reports Hindustan Times. According to the source, the arrest was made on Sunday at 2 am during a raid conducted at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi.
The Excise Department arrested three people, including the two directors, for possession of hybrid ganja. As per Hindustan Times, citing Mathrubhumi, the arrested individuals were later released on station bail. The third person who was arrested was identified as Shalif Mohammed. The excise authorities reportedly recovered 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja from them.
The flat where the raid took place belonged to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. Shalif is known to be a close friend of the directors. Citing Excise Department sources, the report said that the raid was conducted based on confidential information. Khalid Rahman is known for directing films such as Alappuzha Gymkhana and Thallumaala, while Ashraf Hamza has directed films including Thamaasha and Bheemannte Vazhi.
Details of the Incident
The arrest comes just days after the Excise department issued a notice to Malayalam actor Shine Tom Chacko, directing him to appear for questioning on April 28 in connection with the seizure of hybrid ganja. A notice was also served to actor Sreenath Bhasi in the case. Earlier, excise officials arrested two individuals—Thasleema Sulthana alias Christina and K Feroze—for allegedly selling hybrid ganja on April 1.
Thasleema’s husband, Sultan Akbar Ali, was also arrested in connection with the case. The probe team suspects that Sulthana supplied drugs to the two actors. Shine Tom Chacko was arrested on April 21 for alleged drug use but was released on station bail the same day. The arrest followed a nearly four-hour-long interrogation related to an incident in which Chacko allegedly fled from a Kochi hotel during a narcotics raid.
Investigation Underway
Sreenath Bhasi had approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail, fearing arrest in the case, but withdrew his petition on the same day. The Excise Department is currently investigating the case and is expected to take further action in the coming days. As per Hindustan Times, the incident has raised concerns about the involvement of film personalities in drug-related cases.
The source also reported that the raid was conducted based on confidential information, which suggests that the Excise Department had prior knowledge of the alleged drug possession. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Conclusion
The arrest of Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza for possession of drugs has sent shockwaves in the film industry. The incident has raised concerns about the involvement of film personalities in drug-related cases. As the investigation is ongoing, more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. According to Hindustan Times, the case is being closely monitored by the authorities, and further action is expected to be taken soon.
Source:
Hindustan Times – "Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza arrested for possession of drugs, released on bail: Report"
https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/others/malayalam-film-directors-khalid-rahman-and-ashraf-hamza-arrested-for-possession-of-drugs-released-on-bail-report-101745728759898.html
