Mumbai: Former NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede Receives Relief from Arrest as High Court Hearing Concludes

Mumbai, 22nd May 2023: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently filed a corruption case against former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede, prompting him to approach the Bombay High Court for redress. Today, a hearing took place in the High Court regarding this matter, resulting in a temporary reprieve for Sameer Wankhede from arrest. The next hearing for the case has been scheduled for June 8.

During Sameer Wankhede’s tenure as the Mumbai Divisional Director of NCB, his team conducted a raid on a cruise ship traveling from Mumbai to Goa in October 2021, during which actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, was detained.

Allegations have surfaced claiming that Sameer Wankhede demanded a sum of 25 crores as a bribe for Aryan Khan’s release. Senior officials within the NCB conducted an investigation into these allegations, subsequently transferring the case to the CBI. Following their own investigation, the CBI registered a case against Sameer Wankhede, prompting his legal action in the High Court.

During Monday’s hearing, the High Court ruled in favor of Sameer Wankhede, granting him relief from arrest until June 8, subject to certain conditions. The court emphasized that evidence related to the case should not be shared with the media, and any violation of this would warrant action by the CBI.

Expressing his stance before the High Court, Sameer Wankhede assured cooperation with the investigation and pledged not to tamper with any evidence. He also vowed not to disclose any evidence related to the investigation to the media.