Man arrested over growing ganja on home terrace

Hyderabad: A 33-year-old man who grew ganja plants on his terrace was arrested by excise officials on Thursday. Gyaneshwar Goud, the accused, planted them in earthen pots on the penthouse of his residence at Old Hafeezpet.

“There were no fruits as the plants were young. When we questioned, he said it was done as a hobby. Nevertheless, the plants were destroyed,” said Mr Gandhi Naik, inspector, prohibition and excise, Serilingampally.

Instances of drug addicts growing ganja plants under artificial lighting inside the rooms and penthouses in the city are not new. Last year, the police arrested Syed Hassan for allegedly growing ganja plants at his three BHK flat at Manikonda. The police seized 40 weed pots.

The accused used LED lights, humidifiers and air-conditioners to make the environment suitable for ganja plants. Phosphorous, potassium, aquasol, aquadene and clay stones,  used during different phases of growing the plant, were also seized.

In March last year, a 60-year-old guard was caught by the police for cultivating ganja. Basant, another tenant in the house, is absconding.