Sameer Wankhede Claims No Bribe Demanded from Shah Rukh Khan
Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede addressed the Bombay High Court on March 23, 2026, asserting he never demanded a bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan regarding the drug case involving Khan’s son, Aryan. This statement was made during a hearing on Wankhede’s petition to quash an FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The FIR alleges Wankhede and four others demanded ₹25 crore as a bribe from those arrested in the high-profile cruise ship drug case. The submission was part of Wankhede’s legal efforts to defend his reputation amidst serious accusations.
Context of the Case
The allegations stem from the 2021 raid on a cruise ship where Aryan Khan was arrested. This case quickly garnered significant media attention and public interest due to the involvement of a prominent Bollywood figure. Wankhede’s claims were contested by a Special Enquiry Team (SET) initiated by the CBI to review the actions of the NCB officers involved in the case.
In a context where corruption and bribery allegations are serious concerns in Indian law enforcement, Wankhede’s adamant denial aims to restore his credibility and position. His counsel, senior advocate Aabad Ponda, highlighted that no evidence links Wankhede to any alleged financial transactions related to the case.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Wankhede’s Arguments
Wankhede’s legal team presented their defense before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam. Ponda emphasized that while there may be individuals who received undisclosed sums, they were not associated with Wankhede.
“There was never a demand for a bribe by my client, nor any receipt of money or payment made to him,” Ponda stated, reinforcing the argument that allegations against Wankhede are unfounded.
CBI Investigation
The FIR was filed based on findings from the SET, presided over by Gyaneshwar Singh, the then NCB Deputy Director General. The SET was tasked with identifying any procedural errors committed by NCB officials during the investigation. Wankhede has accused the SET of attempting to whitewash Aryan Khan’s involvement by suppressing key evidence.
Ponda noted, “The matter is now admitted, and the CBI must present substantive proof to continue its claims.” As a result, the High Court directed the CBI to provide material evidence supporting their allegations.
Previous Developments in the Case
The Bombay High Court granted Wankhede interim protection from arrest in 2025 amid ongoing investigations. This protective measure indicates the court’s acknowledgment of Wankhede’s rights while the legal proceedings unfold.
Aryan Khan, on the other hand, received bail in October 2021, following nearly 26 days of detention connected to the NCB’s high-profile raid. Subsequently, a different NCB investigation team cited insufficient evidence and opted not to include him in their chargesheet.
Public and Political Reactions
The allegations have sparked widespread discussions about corruption within law enforcement agencies in India. Critics argue that high-profile cases such as the Aryan Khan drug case highlight systemic issues within the NCB and related organizations.
Advocacy groups focusing on justice reform emphasize the need for transparency and accountability among public officials. Commentators have remarked on the importance of this case, considering its implications for both Bollywood and the broader legal system in the country.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The ongoing hearing in the Bombay High Court will continue on March 24, where further submissions from both sides will be anticipated. As the pressure mounts on Wankhede and the CBI, the outcomes could have lasting repercussions on public trust in the judicial process.
Legal experts indicate that the case may set a precedent for how similar cases involving celebrities are handled in the future, especially concerning graft and procedural accountability.
Implications for Law Enforcement Agencies
The ongoing investigation also serves as a crucial litmus test for the integrity of the NCB amid allegations of misconduct. In recent years, there have been increasing calls for reforms within various enforcement bodies to eliminate corrupt practices.
Wankhede’s petition further raises questions about the CBI’s processes and its reliance on findings from SETs, particularly regarding how these investigations can be influenced by external pressures.
Final Thoughts
As the hearing unfolds in the coming days, many are watching closely. This case has the potential to reshape not only Wankhede’s career but also the future handling of drug-related offenses involving public figures in India.
While the legal ramifications remain in flux, the conversations surrounding ethics in law enforcement illustrate a pressing need for reform to ensure justice is administered without bias or corruption.