Kochi: Actor Sreenath Bhasi has withdrawn his anticipatory bail plea in connection with the Alappuzha hybrid cannabis case. The plea, which was filed in the Kerala High Court earlier, cited concerns that he might be named as an accused in the case and subsequently arrested.

While hearing the plea, the High Court had directed the Excise Department to submit a report on the matter and asked for a response within two weeks. In his petition, Bhasi had claimed he was innocent and that if he were to be arrested, the shoot of a film in which he is playing the lead role would be disrupted.

He further stated that one of the accused in the case, Taslima Sultana, had contacted him over the phone. However, he denied ever purchasing or selling cannabis. According to Bhasi, Sultana introduced herself as a fan under the name “Christina” and called him.

During the conversation, she allegedly asked if he wanted cannabis. Believing it to be a joke, he said he immediately disconnected the call. Bhasi also asserted that he had not responded to any of her messages and reiterated in the petition that he is a well-known film actor and has never been involved in any drug dealings.

Taslima Sultana, a native of Kannur, and K Firoz from Alappuzha were arrested by a special Excise team with three kilograms of hybrid cannabis, estimated to be worth Rs 2 crore. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed that the cannabis was meant for individuals working in the film and tourism industries. Besides Sreenath Bhasi, Taslima also reportedly named Shine Tom Chacko during questioning.