Alappuzha: Nine people, including the son of CPM MLA U Prathibha, were arrested on Saturday for possession of ganja in Kuttanad, Alappuzha. According to Excise officials, all nine were arrested but later released on bail.

"We seized ganja from one of the group members under the Thakazhi bridge," the officials stated. The individuals were arrested for smoking and possessing the substance. "As it was a small quantity, all of them were released on bail," an Excise officer added. An investigation is currently underway.

Meanwhile, MLA Prathibha denied the allegations against her son, claiming that no ganja was found in his possession. "The Excise officials have only questioned my son and his friends. The media is unfairly targeting me," the Kayamkulam MLA said in a video posted on social media, PTI reported.