Directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza arrested after Ganja bust in Kochi

filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza arrested

Excise officials arrested three people, including well-known filmmakers Ashraf Hamza and Khalid Rahman, for possessing hybrid ganja (weed) during a late-night raid in Kochi. Shalif Mohammed, a friend of the filmmakers, was also arrested. During the operation, 1.63 grammes of hybrid ganja were confiscated from the group by the Excise Department. The three were later freed on station bail following their arrest.

The raid happened at a Kochi flat that reportedly belonged to a well-known cinematographer in the field. The Excise team had arrived at the site after acting on confidential information. Officials said during the first round of interrogation that the three people had been using ganja on a regular basis for years and had met in the flat to talk about a film project.

An Excise official commented on the situation, stating, "From the initial questioning, it was understood that they have been using ganja regularly for years now. They were in the apartment for a movie discussion. We have to investigate further about the supplier based on the information they gave."

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Known for his earlier films Thallumala and Unda, as well as his most recent film Alappuzha Gymkhana, Khalid Rahman is a prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry. Another well-known director, Ashraf Hamza, is recognised for having directed hits like Bheemante Vazhi and Thamaasha.

Because it involves such well-known industry figures, this incident has garnered a lot of attention. According to the Excise Department, they will keep looking for the source of the illegal substance. More developments are anticipated as the investigation progresses, and the case has spurred a broader discussion about substance use among well-known members of the film industry.