Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was held in custody for nearly a month following his arrest in October 2021 during an alleged rave party. The case, led by officer Sameer Wankhede, had attracted massive attention at the time. Eventually, Aryan was cleared of all drug charges in 2022. Recently, the officer shed some light on the legal procedures and controversies surrounding high-profile drug cases.
Sameer Wankhede clarifies arrests can happen without possessing drugs
In an interview with Mama’s Couch YouTube channel, Wankhede explained that as part of his job, he was required to make the arrest, even if the person did not have drugs on them. When asked why Aryan was kept in custody for 25 days despite having no drugs, Sameer said, “People have this misconception that if no drugs were found on you, there won’t be any action. If someone has been caught with drugs, then someone must have manufactured it, someone must have supplied it and there must be someone who is intending to buy it.”Wankhede further explained, “Do you think that we should not arrest those who manufacture them, or those who are intending to buy them because both of them will not be in possession of drugs? The law entails that the entire chain should be arrested. No matter who is the one who has the possession.”
Poll
Do you think high-profile drug cases should follow stricter legal procedures?
Sameer Wankhede denies Aryan Khan was made a ‘scapegoat’
When the interviewer asked if Aryan was made a “bali ka bakra (scapegoat)”, Sameer defended his actions,“Isme bali ka bakra koi banta nahi hai (There is no scapegoat in this),” he said. He added, “After a lot of thought, there is a conscious possession, there is some electronic evidence, there is some statement, so on the basis of that, the investigation is done.”Wankhede also explained that getting bail involves many legal procedures, “It’s not just Wankhede who is doing it all, there are a lot of procedures.”
Sameer Wankhede responds to bribery and chat leak allegations
Wankhede was also asked about allegations that he leaked conversations with Shah Rukh Khan, where the star was allegedly pleading with him. He said, “Leaking would be the wrong word here. It’s neither my habit, nor am I so weak to do such things. I don’t need to do such things.”On the Rs 25 crore bribery accusation, Sameer Wankhede said, “You all saw the chats and I don’t want to repeat what is in the chats. I took action, and didn’t leave anyone. I will just say that I arrested, and nothing else.”
Sameer Wankhede took legal action against ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’
Sameer Wankhede recently took legal action against Aryan Khan’s directorial debut, ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood.’ He claimed the series harms his reputation and seeks Rs 2 crore in damages, which he says will be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital. The lawsuit objects to a scene where a character shows the middle finger after saying “Satyamev Jayate,” which Wankhede says violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Later, the Delhi High Court asked him to change the plea, saying the case cannot be heard in Delhi.
About the Author
