Latest news with #AshrafHamza
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Time of India
Directors' ganja arrests: Supplier still on the run
Kochi: Excise officers are still trying to track down the individual who sold ganja to prominent film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza . They were arrested with 1.6g of hybrid ganja from a flat near Marine to excise sources, they discovered the phone number of the man who sold the contraband and will soon track him down. Rahman and Hamza, along with their friend Shalif Mohammed, were arrested under the NDPS Act but were given bail as the quantity of the seized ganja was minuscule. A bong (a device used to smoke ganja), a crushing machine, and OCB paper (smoking paper) were also seized from three were nabbed from an apartment along Abraham Madamakkal Road in Kochi. Excise later arrested cinematographer-director Sameer Thahir who rented out the apartment. The directors were caught when they were allegedly about to use the drug during the raid in the early hours of April said that the supplier is a Kerala-based man, and it was Shalif who allegedly bought the contraband. Excise received credible information on the supplier soon after the arrest but are yet to nab him. The officers expect to find out more details about the source of the drug and other customers of the contraband from the alleged supplier.
New Indian Express
01-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Director Sameer Thahir summoned for interrogation in hybrid ganja case
KOCHI: The excise department, on Wednesday, served summons to filmmaker and cinematographer Sameer Thahir to appear before the officials within a week. The summons is to interrogate him in connection with the in which three, including filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, were arrested from his flat in Kochi. 'As per the investigation, the flat, from where the contraband was seized, was rented by Sameer. So, we have served him a notice to appear before the probe team for interrogation within seven days,' said M F Suresh, Ernakulam assistant excise commissioner. We have also expanded our investigation to trace the individuals who supplied the drugs to the suspects, he said. A special squad with the excise department had apprehended three -- Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza and their friend Shalif Muhammad -- with 1.63g of hybrid ganja around 2am from the flat on April 27. Following the seizure, the suspects were booked under various offences including consumption and abetment, under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. They were later released on bail.
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Excise department arrest 3, including 2 Kerala film directors with drugs
The excise department in Kerala on Sunday arrested three people, including two Malayalam film directors, for alleged possession of hybrid ganja, a senior official said. 'The directors — Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza — along with a third person named Shalih Mohamad were held following a raid conducted at an apartment in Kochi in the wee hours of Sunday. A tip-off led to the raid which resulted in the seizure of 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja, a bong and a grinder from the apartment,' said deputy excise commissioner (Ernakulam) TM Maju. Since the seizure amount was below commercial quantity, the three were released on station bail after being booked under sections 20 (B)(II)A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, he added. 'The raid was part of the second phase of the ongoing enforcement drive named 'Operation Clean Slate.' Based on a secret tip-off, we went to the said apartment and found the accused in possession of the ganja. We have secured leads about the source of the drugs and we will find them soon,' Maju said. The excise department, he pointed out, has also issued notice to cinematographer Sameer Thahir, owner of the Kochi apartment, where the drugs were found. The two directors reportedly come to the apartment for a discussion on a film project. 'We have asked him to appear for questioning. Giving space for the consumption of drugs is also an offence under the NDPS Act,' the officer said. Khalid Rahman is the director of the newly-released Alappuzha Gymkhana, a sports comedy film, which is currently in theatres and getting rave reviews from critics. The 34-year-old director has earned praise from critics for stylised action sequences and carving out a new path of bold filmmaking through his earlier films like Thallumala, Unda and Anuraga Karikkin Vellam. Ashraf Hamza has also drawn the spotlight in the Malayalam film industry for his films Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi, which were received well by audiences and critics alike. Sibi Malayil, directors' union head of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), told local media that action would be taken against both directors for their alleged involvement in drugs cases. 'Earlier, we had taken action against a make-up man too after he was caught with drugs. We will not disciminate between small and big artists. We will discuss and take action,' Malayil said. FEFKA is the apex trade union body comprising different branches of artists of the Malayalam film industry. The arrest of Rahman and Ashraf comes a week after actor Shine Tom Chacko was arrested in a drugs case by the Ernakulam Town police. He was questioned for hours in connection with his escape from a hotel in Kochi while a drug raid was underway. Chacko was also accused of 'misbehaviour' towards a female colleague after consuming drugs on a film set. The actress, Vincy Aloshious, has filed formal complaints with the internal committee of the film and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce.
Gulf News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza suspended amid drug scandal
Dubai: In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through the Malayalam film industry, directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza have been suspended by the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) after being caught with hybrid drugs. The two directors have also been expelled from the Directors' Union. FEFKA president Sibi Malayil has made it clear that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in drug abuse within the industry. As reported by Manorama News, Sibi Malayil confirmed the suspensions, stating that the action was a direct response to concerns over the growing issue of drug use in the Malayalam film industry. "With the rise in drug abuse inside the industry, we have decided to take strict action," Malayil said. He further explained that FEFKA had formed a seven-member committee earlier this year to monitor film sets and combat drug use. "In the past, a makeup artist was suspended for drug use, and now, the Directors' Union has been instructed to take action against the two directors involved," Malayil told Manorama News. Raid and arrests The arrests took place early Sunday morning after the excise team raided a flat in Kochi, which was registered in the name of cinematographer Sameer Thahir. The flat had been used for scriptwriting and film discussions. The excise department, which had received information about frequent drug use at the flat, seized 1.5 grams of hybrid ganja during the raid. This was not the first time the flat had been searched. Authorities now plan to summon Sameer Thahir for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing. Strong condemnation from FEFKA FEFKA general secretary B Unnikrishnan strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated. "Strict measures will be taken against anyone found using drugs on set," he was quoted as saying to Mathrubhumi News. Film Chamber general secretary Saji Nanthiyattu expressed his shock over the directors' involvement in the case and suggested that raids be extended to film sets, as technicians are often among the primary users of drugs. Investigation into the supplier Meanwhile, the Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad has launched an investigation to track the supplier of the drugs . The investigation has revealed that a young man, believed to be an intermediary, supplied the drugs to Shalif Muhammad, who was also arrested in connection with the incident. The excise team is working with the cyber-cell to identify the source of the drugs. Officials suspect that a gang may be operating to supply hybrid ganja to selected individuals within the film industry, given the high cost of the drugs. Future investigation Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and Shalif Muhammad were granted station bail after their blood samples were collected. Deputy Excise Commissioner confirmed that they will be questioned again to determine whether they are regular users and where they sourced the drugs from. "We are awaiting the results of their samples," the police added. Background of the directors Khalid Rahman is a well-known director in the Malayalam film industry, celebrated for his work in films such as Anuraga Karikkin Vellam, Unda, Thallumaala, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana. His films often explore contemporary themes with a fresh narrative style, earning him recognition as one of the new-age storytellers in Malayalam cinema. Ashraf Hamza is another prominent director, known for his critically acclaimed films Thamaasha and Bheemante Vazhi. Like Rahman, Hamza is regarded as one of the modern filmmakers who is redefining Malayalam cinema with innovative storytelling and unique character portrayals. Both directors are part of a wave of filmmakers bringing new perspectives and fresh narratives to the industry. Overview of the incident Arrest of Prominent Directors: Malayalam film directors Khalid Rahman (known for Thallumaala, Alappuzha Gymkhana) and Ashraf Hamza (known for Thamaasha, Bheemante Vazhi) were arrested for possession of hybrid drugs. Here's the key highlights of the Malayalam film directors' arrest for drug possession: April 1, 2025: Excise officials arrest Thasleema Sulthana and K Feroze for allegedly selling hybrid drugs. Sulthana's husband, Sultan Akbar Ali, is later arrested. Around April 1 (Ongoing Investigation): The probe team suspects Thasleema Sulthana supplied drugs to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi. April 21 : Actor Shine Tom Chacko is arrested for alleged drug use in connection with a narcotics raid at a Kochi hotel. He is released on station bail the same day after interrogation. April 25: Actor Sreenath Bhasi approaches the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in the drugs case but withdraws his petition on the same day. Recent (Prior to April 27): The Excise Department issues notices to actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi, directing them to appear for questioning on April 28. Early Morning, Sunday, April 27 (approximately 2:00 am local time): Excise Department conducts a raid at a flat near the Gosree Bridge in Kochi. The flat reportedly belongs to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. April 27: Directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza, along with Shalif Mohammed, are arrested during the Kochi flat raid for possession of 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja.
Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Two Malayalam film directors arrested for alleged possession of hybrid ganja
Two prominent Malayalam film directors were among three persons arrested by the Excise department in Kerala early Sunday for alleged possession of hybrid ganja, a top Excise official said. The directors — Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza -- along with a third individual named Shalih Mohamad were held following a raid conducted at an apartment in Kochi in the wee hours of Sunday. A tip-off led to the raid which resulted in the seizure of 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja, a bong and a grinder from the apartment, said Deputy Excise Commissioner (Ernakulam) TM Maju. Since the seizure amount was below commercial quantity, the three were released on station bail after being booked under sections 20 (B)(II)A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985, he added. 'The raid was part of the second phase of the ongoing enforcement drive named 'Operation Clean Slate.' Based on a secret tip-off, we went to the said apartment and found the accused in possession of the ganja. We have secured leads about the source of the drugs and we will find them soon,' Maju said. The Excise department, he pointed out, has also issued notice to cinematographer Sameer Thahir, the owner of the Kochi apartment, where the drugs were found. The two directors had reportedly come to the apartment for a discussion on a film project. 'We have asked him to appear for questioning. Giving space for the consumption of drugs is also an offence under the NDPS Act,' the officer said. Khalid Rahman is the director of the newly-released 'Alappuzha Gymkhana', a sports comedy film, which is currently in theatres and getting rave reviews from critics. The 34-year-old director has earned praise from critics for stylised action sequences and carving out a new path of bold filmmaking through his earlier films like 'Thallumala', 'Unda' and 'Anuraga Karikkin Vellam'. Ashraf Hamza has also drawn the spotlight in the Malayalam film industry for his films 'Thamaasha' and 'Bheemante Vazhi' which were received well by audiences and critics alike. Sibi Malayil, the directors' union head of Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), told local media that action would be taken against both directors for alleged involvement in drugs cases. 'Earlier, we had taken action against a make-up man too after he was caught with drugs. We will not discriminate between small and big artists. We will discuss and take action,' said Malayil. FEFKA is the apex trade union body comprising different branches of artists of the Malayalam film industry. The arrest of Rahman and Ashraf comes just a week after actor Shine Tom Chacko was similarly arrested in a drugs case by the Ernakulam Town police. He was questioned for hours in connection with his escape from a hotel in Kochi while a drug raid was underway. Chacko was also simultaneously accused of 'misbehaviour' towards a female colleague after consuming drugs on a film set. The actress, Vincy Aloshious, has filed formal complaints with the internal committee of the film and the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce. Kerala has seen an implosion of drugs, particularly synthetic drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine, in recent years, with the number of NDPS cases registered per year soaring over the rest of the states in the country. Kerala topped the country in the past three years, beating states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. In 2024, Kerala registered 27,701 cases, compared to 9025 cases in Punjab and 7536 cases in Maharashtra. In 2023, Kerala had 30,715 cases compared to 11,564 in Punjab and 15,561 in Maharashtra. In the first three months of 2025, the Kerala police, as part of its statewide operation P-Hunt, have filed 12,760 cases and seized ₹12 crore worth of drugs. The Excise department, in a parallel operation, seized ₹7.09 crore worth of drugs in March alone. Over 13,000 raids were conducted last month, and 1316 persons arrested so far.
