Former Mumbai Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zone Head, Sameer Wankhede, appeared at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) office in Mumbai on Saturday to undergo questioning in connection with an alleged bribery case involving ₹25 crore. The case relates to the arrest of Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, in October 2021. However, due to a Bombay High Court directive, no coercive action, including arrest, could be taken against Wankhede at this time.
In a recent development, the Bombay High Court issued an order on Friday, instructing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to take any coercive action against Sameer Wankhede. The order effectively prevents Wankhede from being arrested on the day he arrived for questioning. Wankhede has been embroiled in controversy since his alleged demand for ₹25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan during the arrest of the latter’s son, Aryan Khan, on a cruise ship in October 2021.
During the court hearing, Sameer Wankhede presented chat conversations with Shah Rukh Khan in his defense. These conversations showcased Shah Rukh Khan’s praise for Wankhede’s integrity and included a request from the actor to be kind to his son, Aryan Khan. These messages aim to challenge the allegations of bribery and support Wankhede’s claim of acting impartially in the case.
The alleged bribery case revolves around the arrest of Aryan Khan, who was detained by the NCB in October 2021 during a raid on a cruise ship off the coast of Mumbai. Aryan Khan, along with a group of individuals, was taken into custody on charges related to drug possession and consumption. The arrest gained significant media attention due to Aryan Khan’s high-profile background as the son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan.
Sameer Wankhede, as the former Mumbai Zone Head of the NCB, played a prominent role in the operation leading to Aryan Khan’s arrest. However, the bribery allegations against him have created a storm of controversy. Wankhede has vehemently denied the charges, asserting his innocence and stating that they are part of a conspiracy to tarnish his reputation and hinder the investigation into drug-related offenses.
Former Mumbai NCB Zone Head Sameer Wankhede’s appearance at the CBI office for interrogation in the alleged ₹25 crore bribery case connected to Aryan Khan’s arrest has generated widespread attention. With the Bombay High Court’s directive preventing his arrest, the case continues to unfold, raising questions about the integrity of the investigation and the allegations against Wankhede.