Hybrid cannabis case: Taslima denies drug dealing, admits having connections within film industry

ALAPPUZHA: Taslima Sultana, the first accused in the hybrid cannabis case, has publicly stated that while she is acquainted with people in the film industry, she is not involved in drug dealing. She made this declaration when she was produced before the Alappuzha court in connection with the Excise Department’s custody application following the seizure of three kilograms of hybrid cannabis, valued at approximately two crore rupees. The Alappuzha District Additional Sessions Court granted custody of the three accused to the Excise Department until the 24th of the month.

During the proceedings, the defense argued that the third accused, Sultan Akbar Ali, who is Taslima’s husband, has no connection to the case. They maintained that he neither sold, bought, nor possessed drugs and was implicated solely because of his relationship with Taslima. Initially, the court granted custody for three days. However, due to delays in bringing Taslima to court, the custody period was extended until 4 pm on the 24th. Taslima and Akbar Ali’s children were also present in court. The court will consider the bail application filed by the accused once the custody period concludes.

Regarding legal representation, a lawyer from the High Court had initially provided legal counsel for Taslima and the second accused, Firoz. However, the accused informed the court that this lawyer was no longer representing them. Another lawyer appeared via video conference for Taslima but was not allowed to argue because he had not submitted the necessary documentation confirming his legal representation. A lawyer from Alappuzha appeared on behalf of the second accused. After undergoing medical examinations, the accused were taken to the Excise office.

The Excise Department has not accepted Taslima’s claim that she had no involvement in drug dealings with film personalities at face value. The accused will be questioned both collectively and individually. Actor Shine Tom Chacko has admitted to the police that he had a relationship with Taslima, who is also known as Christina. Actor Sreenath Bhasi mentioned in his anticipatory bail plea filed in the High Court that Taslima had sent messages to him. A WhatsApp chat involving an actor was deleted from Taslima’s phone, and forensic experts have been called in to recover it. If any clear role of the actors emerges from the investigation, they will also be summoned for questioning. The probe is being led by Assistant Excise Commissioner Ashok Kumar.