The Narcotics Control Bureau told the Bombay High Court that its enquiry against Sameer Wankhede is based on specific complaints and not linked to Nawab Malik. The agency said the probe is at a preliminary stage and aims to verify allegations while giving Wankhede a fair chance to respond.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that its ongoing enquiry against former zonal director Sameer Wankhede is based on specific, identifiable complaints and not influenced by any political figure, including Nawab Malik.
In an affidavit filed by Vishal Sanap, Deputy Director General (South West Region), the NCB clarified that the enquiry was initiated on the basis of two “non-anonymous” complaints. The agency strongly denied allegations that the probe was triggered by Malik or any communication from him.
“It is pertinent to note that neither of the said complaints had been lodged by Nawab Malik, nor were these enquiries initiated pursuant to any communication emanating from him,”
the affidavit stated.
The matter came up before a Bench comprising Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal Khata. The NCB emphasized that it has both the authority and responsibility to examine allegations of irregularities in cases handled by its officers. It further submitted that the current enquiry is only at a preliminary verification stage.
According to the agency, Wankhede has been delaying the process by filing multiple petitions and initiating legal proceedings since 2024. The NCB stated that summoning him for questioning is part of ensuring fairness and giving him a chance to present his side, in line with principles of natural justice.
Wankhede, through his counsel Rajiv Chavan, has challenged the probe and claimed that he is being unfairly targeted. In his rejoinder affidavit, he argued that several cases were initiated against him after he arrested Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, in the high-profile 2021 cruise drug case. He also alleged that Nawab Malik held a personal grudge against him because Wankhede had earlier arrested Malik’s son-in-law, Sameer Khan, in a drug-related case.
The NCB reiterated before the court that the enquiry is still at a verification stage and is not a final determination of guilt. It maintained that the process is necessary to assess the allegations made in the complaints.
The High Court has granted time to Wankhede’s counsel to review the NCB’s affidavit and has scheduled the next hearing after two weeks.
The case traces back to the aftermath of the death of Sushant Singh Rajput in June 2020, after which the NCB launched an investigation into alleged drug use in the film industry. During the probe, the agency registered cases against actor Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik Chakraborty, and several others.
Subsequently, complaints alleging irregularities in the investigation led to scrutiny of Wankhede’s role. Between November 2023 and March 2024, the NCB issued eight notices asking him to appear before Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh, who is heading the preliminary enquiry.
Apart from the departmental enquiry, Wankhede is also facing criminal investigations. In May 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked him on charges of extortion and bribery. He is accused of allegedly demanding ₹25 crore to avoid implicating Aryan Khan in the 2021 cruise drug case.
Later developments saw the NCB filing a chargesheet against 14 individuals in the same case, while giving a clean chit to Aryan Khan. Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money laundering case against Wankhede.
Wankhede has approached the High Court challenging both the CBI and ED cases, and he has been granted interim protection from any coercive action.
The matter remains under judicial consideration, with the court expected to examine the legality and fairness of the ongoing enquiry in the coming hearings.
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