On May 17, the Delhi High Court provided temporary relief to Sameer Wankhede, a former officer of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), by granting him protection from arrest until May 22. The court also allowed him the liberty to approach the Bombay High Court for further legal recourse.
Wankhede had approached the Delhi High Court in response to allegations made against him by the NCB, claiming that these accusations were false and misleading. In his plea, he further requested the court to initiate a cross-FIR (First Information Report) against Gyaneshwar Singh, the Deputy Director-General of the NCB.
The decision by the Delhi High Court to grant Wankhede protection from arrest until May 22 serves as a temporary shield against any immediate coercive action that may have been taken against him by the authorities. This move allows him time to approach the Bombay High Court, where he may seek additional relief and address the allegations raised against him.
Wankhede’s legal battle stems from his involvement in high-profile drug-related cases, including the investigation into the alleged drug nexus in the Hindi film industry. He played a key role in the probe against Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, who was arrested by the NCB in October 2021 during a raid at a Mumbai cruise ship party. The case gained significant media attention and sparked debates on drug abuse and its prevalence in the entertainment industry.
However, Wankhede’s own actions and conduct came under scrutiny when serious allegations were leveled against him. Various reports and claims emerged, raising questions about his integrity and alleging malpractice during the investigation. As a result, the former NCB officer decided to challenge these accusations in court, seeking protection and justice.
Wankhede’s plea specifically mentioned Gyaneshwar Singh, the Deputy Director-General of the NCB, alleging that Singh was involved in the creation of false and misleading allegations against him. By seeking a cross-FIR against Singh, Wankhede aims to shift the focus of the investigation towards the NCB’s top-ranking official, potentially unveiling an alleged conspiracy or misconduct within the organization.
The decision to grant Wankhede temporary protection from arrest reflects the court’s recognition of the need to ensure a fair legal process and the principle of innocent until proven guilty. It offers him an opportunity to present his case and provide evidence to support his claims of innocence. By allowing him to approach the Bombay High Court, the Delhi High Court has provided him with a further avenue to seek justice and appropriate legal remedies.
The outcome of Wankhede’s legal battle will have significant implications for the ongoing investigations and the reputation of the NCB. It remains to be seen how the Bombay High Court will respond to his plea and whether the allegations against him will be thoroughly examined, shedding light on the veracity of the claims made by both parties involved.
As the case continues to unfold, the public and legal experts will closely monitor the developments, as they will not only impact Wankhede’s future but also have broader implications for the administration of justice in high-profile cases.