Fri Nov 07 09:52:48 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Excise department in Kerala has filed a chargesheet against four individuals, including three Malayalam filmmakers (Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamsa, and Sameer Thahir), for allegedly possessing a small quantity of ganja. They were arrested following a raid on an apartment in Kochi earlier this year. The chargesheet cites sections of the NDPS Act related to possession of small quantities of cannabis and criminal conspiracy. If convicted, the punishment could be a fine. The supplier of the substance remains untraced.

News Article:

Malayalam Filmmakers Face Charges in Kerala Ganja Possession Case

KOCHI, Kerala – November 7, 2025: The Kerala Excise Department has filed a chargesheet against four individuals, including prominent Malayalam filmmakers Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamsa, and Sameer Thahir, in a case involving the alleged possession of ganja.

The Excise Enforcement and Anti-Narcotic Special Squad, Ernakulam, submitted the chargesheet to the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Ernakulam. The four, including Shalif Muhammad, a friend of the filmmakers, face charges under Section 20(b)(ii)(A) and Section 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, relating to the possession of small quantities of cannabis and criminal conspiracy, respectively.

The case stems from an April 27th pre-dawn raid on an apartment near Marine Drive, Kochi, reportedly rented by director Sameer Thahir. Excise officials seized 1.5 grams of suspected hybrid ganja and arrested Mr. Rahman, Mr. Hamsa, and Mr. Muhammad. Mr. Thahir was later arrested on May 5th after being summoned for questioning. All four were subsequently released on bail.

Sources indicate that the potential punishment, if convicted, is likely to be limited to a fine due to the small quantity of cannabis involved (under 1 kg is considered a “small quantity” under the NDPS Act).

While investigators initially reported having leads on the supplier of the narcotic substance, that individual remains unidentified.

Khalid Rahman is known for directing films such as “Alappuzha Gymkhana,” “Thallumaala,” and “Unda.” Ashraf Hamsa directed “Thamaasha” and “Bheemante Vazhi.” Sameer Thahir, a cinematographer-turned-director, is recognized for works including “Chappa Kurishu” and “Neelakasham Pachakadal Chuvanna Bhoomi.”

The case continues to draw significant attention within the Malayalam film industry and raises renewed questions regarding drug use.

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