Nearly four years after the high-profile arrest of Aryan Khan in a cruise drug case that gripped the nation, former NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede has broken his silence on the personal toll the case took on him. From online bullying by fan clubs to concerns over his family’s safety, Wankhede has opened up about the dark side of public scrutiny, the manipulation of narratives on social media, and the urgent need for stronger digital regulation.During a conversation with Lucky Bisht, he addressed concerns about wealthy individuals allegedly pouring lakhs into fan clubs that distort public perception on social media. When asked why the cyber cell hasn’t acted against such groups, Wankhede explained that while the IT Act does cover such issues and a few cases have been registered, the law is still evolving alongside rapidly changing digital platforms. He stressed the need for timely identification of such manipulation and appropriate legal action.Wankhede also highlighted the damaging impact of online targeting by fan clubs, particularly on mental health. Drawing from personal experience, he shared that such attacks often cross all boundaries, with abusive remarks even directed at women and children. While he mentioned becoming stronger through it, Wankhede pointed out that not everyone can handle the pressure, and such harassment can push people into depression.Addressing how a single individual can control public perception through fan clubs, Sameer pointed out the importance of media literacy. He compared the tactic to propaganda methods used during Hitler’s era, referencing how repeated falsehoods were used to manipulate the masses. Wankhede stressed that even today, similar strategies are at play, and it’s up to the public to critically evaluate the news and distinguish between truth and misinformation.He also touched upon the topic of personal security, stating that while he is fully capable of protecting himself and his family—being a trained sniper—he does have concerns, especially when staying in Chennai, where he worries about his children’s safety. However, he made it clear that he isn’t seeking protection from anyone and doesn’t rely on others, emphasizing his self-reliance and refusal to appear helpless.Aryan Khan was granted bail on October 28, 2021, three weeks after his arrest in the cruise drug case. Several months later, in May 2022, he was given a clean chit and cleared of all charges.
