In an ongoing legal battle, former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Sameer Wankhede, is attempting to present alleged text messages exchanged with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as evidence of his integrity. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Bombay High Court about this development on Monday.
Wankhede is currently facing accusations of soliciting a bribe of Rs 25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan to prevent implicating his son, Aryan Khan, in the Cordelia cruise ‘drug bust’ case. The Bombay High Court, comprising a vacation bench of Justices Abhay Ahuja and MM Sathaye, further extended the interim protection granted to Wankhede in the case until June 8.
The allegations against Sameer Wankhede have garnered significant attention due to his high-profile position within the NCB and the involvement of a prominent Bollywood figure. Wankhede’s defense strategy now appears to revolve around presenting purported text messages exchanged with Shah Rukh Khan as evidence supporting his claim of maintaining integrity throughout the investigation.
The contents and context of these alleged text messages remain undisclosed at this point. However, Wankhede’s legal team seems to believe that they will help establish his credibility and counter the bribery allegations. The High Court’s decision to extend Wankhede’s interim protection indicates a willingness to consider the presented evidence before making any judgment in the case.
The Aryan Khan drug case has attracted widespread media attention, drawing both criticism and support for the NCB’s actions. Aryan Khan, the son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, was detained during a raid on a luxury cruise ship in October last year. The subsequent investigation focused on alleged drug-related activities involving some passengers, including Aryan Khan.
As the lead investigator in the case, Sameer Wankhede became a central figure in the high-profile investigation. However, he has been mired in controversy and faced accusations of impropriety. The allegations of bribery against Wankhede have created a stir in the media and have raised questions about the integrity of the investigation process.
The extension of Wankhede’s interim protection indicates that the court acknowledges the need to thoroughly examine the evidence and allegations presented in the case. The involvement of a high-ranking NCB official and a renowned Bollywood personality makes it a complex and sensitive matter that requires careful consideration.
While the authenticity and significance of the alleged text messages remain to be determined, they have become crucial elements in Sameer Wankhede’s defense strategy. The court’s decision to grant an extension for the interim protection highlights the importance of conducting a thorough and fair investigation to ensure justice is served.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus will remain on the evidence and arguments presented by both sides. The fate of Sameer Wankhede and the implications for the ongoing Aryan Khan drug case will be closely monitored by the public and the media alike. The court’s eventual ruling on the matter will shape the narrative surrounding this high-profile case and have far-reaching consequences for all parties involved.
