Hybrid ganja: Investigation against actors Shine Tom Chacko and Sreenath Bhasi to continue

Alappuzha: Investigation against actors Shine Tom Chacko, Sreenath Bhasi, and model Soumya in connection with the hybrid ganja case will continue. It is said that, though the actors and the model were questioned and released by the Excise Department, the investigation will continue as there are many areas where more clarity is needed.

Although it is unlikely that the actors will be named as accused, the Excise officials expect that they may provide useful information for the investigation. Therefore, they will remain under surveillance by the Excise Department. Meanwhile, there is a possibility that Soumya could be added as an accused.

The Excise Department has not fully trusted Soumya’s statement. She is said to have had financial transactions ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 with the main accused, Tasleema Sultana. The purpose of these transactions remains unclear. If more evidence surfaces, Soumya may be named as an accused.

Meanwhile, the investigation team has been receiving crucial information during their probe. The arrest of two directors in Kochi for possession of ganja was based on leads received by the Excise Department there. It was during a raid at a flat in Kochi that directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were apprehended. Excise officials said that, had they arrived a bit later, a well-known actor might also have been arrested. Upon learning of the directors’ arrest, the actor reportedly left the location.

Reality show actor and film technician questioned and released

Reality show actor Jinto and film technician Joshi were also questioned in the hybrid ganja case and later released, as the Excise Department found no evidence linking them to the drug dealings. They were questioned for nearly eight hours on Tuesday. Since no evidence emerged connecting them to the case, they will not be charged.

The interrogation focused on gathering information regarding phone calls, chats, and financial dealings with the main accused, Tasleema. Although both admitted to having financial transactions with her, this would not come under the purview of the Excise Department.

The transactions occurred about ten days before Tasleema was arrested in Alappuzha. According to officials, the money was related to bringing models for a fashion show. The purpose of questioning was to gather as much evidence as possible to confirm Tasleema’s criminal activity. The session began at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and ended at 6 p.m.

Joshi told the media that he was summoned to clarify his role in introducing Tasleema to a producer. Jinto also confirmed that he gave money to Tasleema — ₹8,000 when she said her father was unwell and another ₹2,000 after his death. He said that he has no involvement in the ganja case. The questioning was led by Alappuzha Excise Assistant Commissioner S. Ashok Kumar.

Case involving Directors: Focus shifts to Middlemen

The investigation is now focusing on the middlemen who supplied the drugs. The investigation team has received clear leads about these intermediaries. The team is preparing to examine the phone and financial records of the arrested individuals.

The arrested directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and their friend Shalif Muhammad will be interrogated soon. Notices will be sent to them for this purpose. The flat where they were caught with ganja belongs to cinematographer Sameer Thahir. He will also be served a notice to appear for questioning.