Former NCB Officer Denies Bribery Allegations in High Court Hearing
In a significant development, former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai zonal director Sameer Wankhede has firmly denied allegations of demanding or accepting a bribe from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The statement was made during a hearing at the Bombay High Court on Monday, where Wankhede's legal team argued for the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Legal Arguments and CBI Charges
Wankhede's counsel, Aabad Ponda, presented arguments before a bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam. Ponda asserted that the CBI lacks any concrete evidence to substantiate claims that Wankhede demanded Rs 25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan to provide a clean chit for his son, Aryan Khan, in the high-profile cruise drugs case. The FIR, registered in May 2023, accuses Wankhede and others of criminal conspiracy, extortion threats under IPC section 388, and bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Background of the Aryan Khan Case
The controversy stems from an incident on October 2, 2021, when the NCB conducted a raid on the Cordelia cruise ship based on a tip-off about alleged drug activities. During the operation, several individuals, including Aryan Khan, were arrested. However, in a subsequent twist, the NCB filed a charge sheet against 14 accused but exonerated Aryan Khan, leading to widespread speculation and allegations of misconduct.
In 2021, an independent witness came forward, claiming that NCB officials and others had demanded a hefty bribe to release Aryan Khan. This prompted an internal vigilance probe by the NCB, the findings of which were shared with the CBI, ultimately resulting in the registration of the case against Wankhede. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate has initiated a money laundering case based on the CBI's FIR.
Court Proceedings and Future Hearings
During the hearing, Ponda emphasized that the NCB's actions during the cruise ship raid were conducted lawfully, and Wankhede played no role in any illicit demands. The Bombay High Court has scheduled further hearings on Tuesday to continue deliberations on Wankhede's plea to dismiss the FIR. This case has garnered significant public attention, highlighting issues of corruption and procedural integrity within law enforcement agencies.
The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved and the broader narrative surrounding the Aryan Khan drugs case. As the proceedings unfold, stakeholders await clarity on the evidence and judicial rulings that will determine the course of justice.
