Former Narcotics Control Bureau officer Sameer Wankhede has asserted before the Bombay High Court that he did not solicit or accept a bribe from actor Shah Rukh Khan regarding the Aryan Khan drug case. Wankhede, who appeared in court on Monday, claimed that the accusations tying him to a demand for Rs 25 crore were inaccurate. His counsel, Aabad Ponda, maintained that the investigation led by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) did not substantiate any direct association between Wankhede and the alleged bribe.

Judicial Clarification on Chargesheet Status

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Suman Shyam, emphasized that the existence of a chargesheet was not the focal point of the current hearings. They remarked that the critical issue was whether there was sufficient material to warrant the continuation of the proceedings. The court requested the defense to elaborate on why the First Information Report (FIR) should be annulled.

Background of the Allegations

Wankhede filed a petition in the High Court in 2023 to nullify the FIR brought against him by the CBI, which remains under investigation without any chargesheet being filed to date. The bribery claims are linked to the widely publicized Cordelia cruise case from October 2021, during which Wankhede was on assignment with the Narcotics Control Bureau. This incident unfolded amid a series of investigations involving Bollywood personalities, including the arrest of Aryan Khan, the son of Shah Rukh Khan.

Details Surrounding Aryan Khan’s Case

Despite no narcotics being discovered in Aryan Khan’s possession, he was traveling with a companion who reportedly had a small quantity of drugs. The Narcotics Control Bureau cited communications suggesting past drug use as a basis for the legal action against him. According to the FIR, a demand for Rs 25 crore was purportedly made to Shah Rukh Khan to prevent implicating his son in the ongoing investigation.

Separation of Allegations and Ongoing Investigations

During court proceedings, Ponda argued that the bribery allegations were distinct from other cases involving Wankhede, including those regarding disproportionate assets. He asserted that there was no conclusive evidence linking Wankhede to the alleged request or acceptance of any monetary payment. The legal dispute continues, with the court scheduled to resume hearings on Tuesday.

Prolonged Investigation Timeline

This case has experienced multiple delays throughout its duration. In July 2025, the CBI informed the court that its investigation would conclude within three months; however, that timeline has since elapsed, and the inquiry remains ongoing. As the legal proceedings advance, the involvement of high-profile personalities ensures continued public interest in the outcome.

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