In the Mumbai drugs-on-cruise case, actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan presented his statement to the country’s narcotics agency’s Delhi section today. The Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Delhi unit had taken over the probe from Sameer Wankhede, the Mumbai zonal director, amid a significant controversy over claims of an extortion demand made against Mr. Wankhede by a “witness.” According to sources, Aryan Khan made his testimony at a Rapid Action Force camp in Navi Mumbai.
Mr. Wankhede’s six cases were taken over by the NCB’s special investigation team in Delhi, some of which are sensitive and thought to be related to the entertainment industry.
Mr. Wankhede has been at the center of a controversy after charges from NCP leader Nawab Malik and an NCB ‘witness,’ Prabhakar Sail, cast doubt on his track record and handling of cases.
Mr. Sail claimed he overheard a conversation between his boss, KP Gosavi, a man named Sam D’Souza, and Shah Rukh Khan’s manager, Pooja Dadlani, about a deal for 18 crores, of which Mr. Wankhede received $8 crore. Mr. Gosavi is yet another NCB ‘witness,’ with his selfie with Aryan Khan following the superstar’s son’s detention raising eyebrows.
After 22 days in prison, Aryan Khan was released on bail. Although no narcotics were found on him, the NCB claimed in court that his WhatsApp communications revealed his involvement in “illicit drug deals” and ties to a foreign drug syndicate.