Charges filed against Malayalam filmmakers for possessing hybrid 'ganja'
What's the story
The Kerala Excise Department has filed a chargesheet against Malayalam filmmakers Khalid Rahman, Sameer Thahir, and Ashraf Hamsain in connection with a drug possession case, reported The Hindu. They were arrested earlier this year, along with their friend Shalif Muhammad. The Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad (ENSSS) recently submitted the chargesheet to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Ernakulam.
Legal proceedings
They were also charged with criminal conspiracy
The filmmakers have been booked under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which deals with offenses involving possession of a small quantity of cannabis. They are also charged under Section 29, which deals with abetment and criminal conspiracy to commit any offense under the Act. The case was registered after a raid on an apartment rented by Thahir in Kochi on April 27.
Arrest details
Details about the investigation
During the raid, 1.5g of suspected hybrid ganja was found in the possession of Rahman, Hamsa, and Muhammad. Thahir was arrested later on May 5 when he came for questioning. All four were granted bail following their arrests, though the investigation remains ongoing. Meanwhile, Rahman is known for Manjummel Boys and Thallumaala. Hamsa has directed Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi, while cinematographer-turned-director Thahir is famous for Chappa Kurishu and Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi.