Famous Kerala-based cinematographer Sameer Thahir was held on drug seizure case on Monday that also involved prominent directors like Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamsa, as quoted by the Excise officials.
Thahir arrested under NDPS act
Thahir was slammed with numerous sections under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and later received bail, as stated by the officials. On April 27, three people, including Rahman and Hamsa were caught with 1.63 grams of hybrid ganja from a flat rented by Thahir located in Kochi. They were arrested during a long midnight raid after a reported tip-off.
“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,” an excise official told to the media.
As per the statement delivered by Thahir, it was not in his cognizance that the directors are consuming drugs and added that many people from the showbiz visited the apartment for project related discussions. However, he was never informed about any such wrongdoing.
The Excise department issues statement
“The flat was rented by Thahir. As per the NDPS Act, such an offence should not occur on premises under one’s name. That is why action was taken against him,” the officer added.
Previously, actor Shine Tom Chacko was held in a different case related to drug consumption after a raid was launched in a hotel. The actor allegedly tried to escape but was caught by the authorities.
Thahir has worked as a cinematographer in many hit Malayalam films like ‘Bangalore Days’ and ‘Big B’.
