Monday, 28 April 2025: A wrap of news and developments in Kerala— The state sees gunshot injury, suspicious death, and drug bust involving film directors; police and excise launch separate investigations.
Published Apr 28, 2025 | 12:33 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 28, 2025 | 12:33 PM
Gunshot. (Representative image)
Synopsis: A youth in Kasaragod sustained a gunshot while probing a strange light; police suspect cross-border involvement. In Kottayam, a woman was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with her husband in custody. Meanwhile, in Kochi, directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf Hamza, and a friend were caught with hybrid cannabis. Excise officials are probing the case further, possibly involving cinematographer Sameer Thahir.
A 22-year-old youth sustained a gunshot injury in a mysterious incident at Bakrabayal in Manjeswaram, Kasaragod on Sunday, 27 April night.
The victim, identified as Savad, a native of Bakrabayal, was shot in the leg while investigating an unusual light from the nearby bushes around 9.30 pm.
According to local accounts, Savad, who was riding a bike with his friends, stopped after spotting a light from a forested area.
When he ventured into the bushes to check, an unidentified person opened fire. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Mangalore, where his condition is reported to be stable.
With the Karnataka border just three kilometers away, police suspect the accused might have crossed over. A search has been launched, and an investigation is underway to trace the assailant(s).
A housewife was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her residence in Thrikkodithanam, Changanassery, Kottayam on Monday, 28 April morning.
The deceased has been identified as Mallika (38), a native of Moscow Azhakathupadi Kannampally. Her husband, Aneesh (42), was taken into custody by the Thrikkodithanam police in connection with the incident.
According to the police, Mallika was found dead inside a room of their house around 6 am, with bloodstains on her right shoulder. It was Aneesh who initially informed the authorities about her death.
However, the ambulance driver, while attempting to take her to the hospital, grew suspicious and alerted the police. The police revealed that Aneesh was known to regularly return home drunk and cause disturbances.
Mallika had reportedly filed complaints against him earlier. Inquest proceedings are underway, and a case of unnatural death has been registered. The exact cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination.
In a late night raid on Sunday, 27 April, the excise department arrested Directors Khalid Rahman, Ashraf hamza, and their friend Shalif Muhammad at a flat in Kochi.
Authorities seized 1.5 grams of hybrid cannabis during the operation. The trio was later released on station bail.
A DANSAF member told South First, that the, raid took place around 2 am at a flat reportedly rented by cinematographer Sameer Thahir. The three were allegedly preparing to consume the cannabis when caught and are believed to be regular users.
A case has been registered under sections 20(b)(II)A and 29 of the NDPS act, 1985. Official said a deeper investigation is underway to trace the source of the narcotics.
Further, the Excise Department is expected to issue a notice to cinematographer- director Sameer Thahir after the directors arrest. Excise Department Dy Commissioner TM Maju told media that, providing a space for drug use is an offence under the NDPS Act, and Thahir, as the flat owner, must be questioned.
Officials recovered 1.5 grams of hybrid cannabis from the premises. Maju said the accused initially claimed they were discussing a film project but further interrogation identified them as noted directors. It was revealed that Shanil Muhammad supplied the cannabis.
While hybrid cannabis is emerging as a trend among users, officials confirmed there is no link between this case and the Alappuzha hybrid cannabis case.
Meanwhile, FEFKA is reportedly planning disciplinary action against the arrested directors, with further responses awaited.
