Wed Apr 30 13:41:31 UTC 2025: ## Malayalam Film Directors Arrested for Ganja Possession
**Kochi, Kerala –** Two prominent Malayalam film directors, Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa, were arrested on Sunday following a pre-dawn raid at an apartment in Kochi. The raid, conducted by excise officials, resulted in the seizure of 1.5 grams of suspected hybrid ganja. A third individual, Shalif Muhammad, was also arrested.
The apartment belongs to cinematographer-turned-director Sameer Thahir, who has been issued a notice to appear before excise officials within a week. Authorities are investigating whether Thahir was aware of or consented to the use of ganja in his apartment, a potential violation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The apartment is reportedly used for film-related discussions.
Excise officials stated the directors were about to consume the ganja when apprehended. Shalif Muhammad allegedly purchased the drug from a supplier whose identity remains unknown, despite possessing his phone number. The investigation is ongoing, and further summons may be issued.
Rahman (known for films like *Alappuzha Gymkhana*, *Thallumala*, and *Unda*) and Hamsa (*Thamaasha* and *Bheemante Vazhi*) were released on bail due to the small quantity of ganja found. They claimed to be at the apartment for a film discussion. The directors reportedly narrowly avoided a similar raid in March. Following the arrests, the FEFKA Directors’ Union has suspended them. The raid was based on specific intelligence.
First Piper 