Today(on 10th April), NCB submits detailed affidavit to Bombay HC, accusing ex-Zonal Director Wankhede of misconduct. Allegations emerge amidst ongoing disputes in prominent drug cases.
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MUMBAI: Today(on 10th April), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has filed a comprehensive affidavit with the Bombay High Court, outlining notable accusations of misconduct against its former Zonal Director, Sameer Wankhede. This action comes amidst ongoing disputes and investigations surrounding prominent drug cases.
In an affidavit drafted by Sanjay Singh, the NCB’s Deputy Director General, the agency stated its position against Wankhede, suggesting that initiating a preliminary inquiry was necessary given the seriousness of the allegations against him. The affidavit was filed in response to Wankhede’s petition challenging the notices he received regarding the investigation into irregularities in the drug case linked to the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
“The petitioner (Wankhede) has filed multiple rounds of litigation to evade the preliminary inquiry. The petitioner, by filing multiple litigations before different forums, is prolonging and delaying the inquiry,”
– the NCB’s affidavit revealed, portraying Wankhede’s actions as attempts to hinder the investigative process.
ALSO READ: Sushant Rajput Drugs Case: HC Orders No Coercive Action Against Wankhede
Furthermore, the affidavit revealed a complaint filed by actor Sapna Pabbi, accusing the NCB, especially Wankhede, of procedural irregularities and misconduct. Pabbi cited concerns such as an unexplained delay in addressing a Look Out Circular issued against her and allegations of non-cooperation by NCB officers despite her willingness to cooperate with the investigation remotely.
Amidst these allegations, the NCB clarified its rationale behind the inquiry:
“Considering the serious allegations made against the petitioner (Wankhede), it was felt necessary to conduct an inquiry against him and call him to ascertain the veracity of the allegations.”
Controversy also stemmed from the procedural aspects of the inquiry. Wankhede’s counsel argued that the inquiry, spearheaded by Sanjay Singh, was flawed due to the hierarchical dynamics within the NCB, asserting that Singh, in his capacity as Wankhede’s superior, should not conduct the investigation. The NCB, however, countered this claim by delineating the roles and responsibilities within the organization, indicating that Singh’s involvement in the inquiry was procedurally sound.
Wankhede became known for his probes into the alleged drug links within the Indian film industry, particularly following Rajput’s sudden passing in June 2020. These high-profile cases, including the apprehension of Rajput’s partner Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and other individuals, have brought the NCB’s operations and investigative methods under intense scrutiny.
ALSO READ: Aryan Khan Case: ED Assures Bombay High Court: “Sameer Wankhede Won’t Face Arrest Until March 1”
This events became more personal for Wankhede as allegations of extortion and bribery surfaced, implicating him in a case involving actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan. These claims have not only ensnared Wankhede in legal disputes but have also triggered discussions about the behavior and accountability of law enforcement officials in significant narcotics investigations.
