Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Malayalam cinematographer-turned-director Sameer Thahir was arrested by the Excise Department on Monday in connection with the hybrid ganja case involving filmmakers Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza.
The duo was caught with the contraband at an apartment in Kochi, which was reportedly rented by Thahir for film-related discussions. The Aavesham cinematographer was summoned for questioning following the arrests and was later granted bail.
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According to excise officials, although Thahir claimed he was unaware of any drug use at the premises, a case was registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act as the apartment was under his name.
“He said he knew them but wasn’t aware of the drug use. What we understood is also the same,” an official stated. “However, under the NDPS Act, he is not supposed to allow a crime to take place on his premises.”
Officials added that Thahir had visited the apartment in the morning and left by evening, and was unaware of who was present later that day. Ashraf Hamza had reportedly been staying there for the past two days in connection with a film project.
The officials told media, “We had earlier issued him a notice to appear for questioning. Following the interrogation, his arrest was recorded under the NDPS Act, and he was granted bail.”
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
