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Malayalam Director Najeem Koya Allegedly Targeted In Excise Raid; FEFKA Raises Conspiracy Allegations
Najeem Koya Targeted In Excise Raid; FEFKA Alleges Plot: The office bearers of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala), representing 19 different film organisations, have made serious allegations against the Excise Intelligence Department regarding a recent raid on the hotel room of film director Najeem Koya in Erattupetta.
The raid, conducted on Monday night following a tip-off about a possible drug presence, has raised concerns within the industry.
According to B. Unnikrishnan, General Secretary of FEFKA, the raid involved approximately 15 to 20 individuals, including senior officials. Najeem Koya and his team, who were in Erattupetta for the filming of a web series, were brought out of the room and lined up while the officials entered and locked the premises.
During the two-hour-long raid, one of the officials allegedly demanded Najeem hand over the "item." However, no significant discoveries were made, and officials reportedly informed someone that they had found nothing. In addition to searching the room, the officials inspected the car provided to Najeem for his use by the production.
B. Unnikrishnan expressed his discontent with the behaviour of the excise officials during the raid and announced that FEFKA has lodged a complaint with the Chief Minister, claiming that the raid was part of a conspiracy.
Director Najeem Koya joined B. Unnikrishnan at the press conference to address the situation. As an actor, writer, and director, Koya expressed his distress, stating that he was treated as if he were a criminal.
"They had a prejudiced attitude, as if I were in possession of drugs, and they were asking me where I had hidden them. I was literally running after the officials who were examining my room and my baggage. They behaved very rashly with me," said Koya.
The search lasted for over two and a half hours, and Koya added that the officials advised him to be careful afterward. FEFKA expressed concern over the selective targeting of Koya, highlighting that the raid team did not inspect other rooms where film personalities were staying.
Deployment Of Shadow Police On Film Sets, B. Unnikrishnan Responds
In response to the statement made by the Kochi Police Commissioner regarding the deployment of shadow police on film sets due to drug-related allegations in the industry, B. Unnikrishnan voiced opposition to the idea.
He argued that if shadow police were present, the film crew would be able to identify them, and the industry should not be subjected to constant surveillance. Instead, he demanded that those who possess a list of alleged drug users release the information to the appropriate authorities.
FEFKA's complaint comes at a time when the Malayalam film industry has been grappling with concerns about drug infiltration. In April, major stakeholders in the industry voiced their worries, prompting State Minister of Culture and Films Saji Cherian to announce that the government would address the issue by convening a meeting of industry representatives.
FEFKA's complaint seeks a proper investigation and adherence to due process, emphasising that they are not against compliance but insist that it should be carried out in a fair and appropriate manner. The Chief Minister's office has yet to respond to the complaint.
