In a major development within the Malayalam film industry, renowned directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were arrested early on Sunday morning for possession of hybrid ganja. The arrest took place during a raid conducted by the Excise Department at an apartment near the Goshree Bridge in Kochi, around 2 a.m. on April 27, 2025. A third individual, Shalif Mohammed, was also apprehended during the operation.
The authorities reportedly seized approximately 1.6 grams of hybrid ganja from the flat, which is said to belong to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. Despite the arrest, the three individuals were granted station bail just a few hours later, emphasizing the ongoing issues of drug use within the film community.
The raid was based on confidential information about suspected drug activities in the area. According to an Excise officer, the trio was caught preparing to consume the ganja. “We nabbed them from flat 506 of Purva Grandbay in Kochi. Upon raiding the flat, we found them in the act of preparing to consume the ganja. After questioning, we confirmed that the three individuals had been using ganja for an extended period,” the officer stated.
Khalid Rahman is widely known for directing hit films like Anuraga Karikkinvellam, Unda, and the recently released Alappuzha Gymkhana, which has garnered positive reviews and performed well at the box office. Meanwhile, Ashraf Hamza is recognized for films like Thamaasha and Bheemannte Vazhi, and for his role as a co-writer for Thallumaala.
This arrest comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry has been facing increased scrutiny regarding drug use among its personalities. Recently, actor Shine Tom Chacko was also involved in a narcotics case and arrested after fleeing during a narcotics raid. Like Rahman and Hamza, he was released on station bail shortly after.
In relation to this ongoing investigation, the Excise Department has issued notices to other actors, including Sreenath Bhasi, instructing them to appear for questioning about their possible involvement in the drug-related activities. The rising attention on substance abuse within the industry has raised concerns among fans, stakeholders, and the public alike.
Officials have indicated that their investigation will continue to explore the source of the hybrid ganja and any potential networks involved in its distribution. The case against Rahman, Hamza, and Mohammed has been registered under sections 20(b)(II) A and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which outlines stringent penalties for the possession and use of drugs.
As the investigation progresses, this incident may have significant repercussions not only for the arrested directors but also for the broader perception of the Malayalam film industry. While Rahman and Hamza have earned recognition for their contributions to cinema, their arrest highlights a pressing challenge faced by the entertainment industry.
With the public growing increasingly concerned about the drug culture in the entertainment sector, the actions of the Excise Department signal a broader commitment to addressing illegal drug activities. The outcome of this case may spark discussions about substance abuse and its implications for both artists and audiences alike.
