Cinematographer Sameer Thahir arrested after hybrid ganja seizure at his Kochi flat
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)
Noted
Malayalam cinematographer
and filmmaker
Sameer Thahir
was arrested on Monday (May 5) by the
Excise Department
in Kochi, days after a drug bust at his flat led to the detention of two well-known directors.
Sameer Thahir unaware of any substance use
According to On Manorama reports, the arrest comes under Section 25 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which pertains to allowing premises to be used for narcotic-related offences. Thahir, who was later released on bail, has claimed he was unaware of any substance use occurring at the premises.
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Minnal Murali | Song - Thee Minnal
Following the arrest of Khalid and Ashraf
The development follows the arrest of directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa, along with their friend Shalif Mohammed, who were caught with 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja at Thahir's flat in the early hours of Sunday last week. All three were released on station bail after the seizure. However, the incident has caused a significant stir in the Malayalam film industry.
Sameer Thahir asked to vacate
Meanwhile, the fallout has extended to Sameer Thahir's residential situation. As reported by Mathrubhumi, the flat owners' association of the luxury apartment complex in Kochi has issued a formal notice requesting that Thahir vacate the premises, citing damage to the community's reputation and emotional distress among residents. The flat is reportedly owned by a native of Thrissur and had been leased to the 'Minnal Murali' cinematographer.
FEFKA takes action
The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors' Union has taken disciplinary action by suspending both Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa from the organization pending further investigation. The Excise Department, led by Assistant Excise Commissioner M F Suresh, is continuing a detailed probe to trace the origin of the narcotics.
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