‘I was unaware of drug use in my flat,’ says Sameer Thahir; arrested, released on bail

Kochi: In a major development in the ongoing narcotics investigation involving members of the Malayalam film industry, cinematographer and director Sameer Thahir has been arrested in connection with the recent seizure of hybrid cannabis from his flat in Kochi. Thahir, who was taken into custody after questioning, was released on station bail following the formal registration of his arrest.

The arrest stems from an earlier incident in which directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were caught with 1.6 grams of hybrid cannabis during an excise raid on an apartment reportedly leased in Thahir’s name. The raid, which occurred in the early morning hours of April 27, also led to the detention of a third individual, Shalif Mohammed, a friend of the filmmakers.

Sameer Thahir arrived at the excise office accompanied by his lawyer for questioning. It was after this session that authorities proceeded with his arrest. Officials confirmed that while the contraband was found in his rented apartment, the actual possession was by the individuals present at the time of the raid.

Sammer has reportedly told the cops that he was unaware of the drug use in the flat at that time.

Meanwhile, the fallout from the incident continues. The flat owners' association has formally requested that Sameer Thahir vacate the luxury apartment located in Kochi, citing reputational damage and disturbance caused by the narcotics case. The apartment, owned by a Thrissur native, had been leased to Thahir prior to the raid. In a letter, the association stated that the discovery of illegal substances had “brought shame” to the community and described the situation as “deeply distressing.”

The incident has sent ripples through the Malayalam film fraternity, raising concerns over the growing link between celebrity culture and substance use. While Khalid Rahman and Ashraf Hamza were released on bail shortly after their arrest, the case is likely to prompt closer scrutiny of industry figures in the days to come.