NCB tells Bombay HC its inquiry into Wankhede based on non-anonymous complaints

The Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) informed the Bombay High Court on Tuesday (April 7, 2026) that its inquiry into irregularities against its former zonal director Sameer Wankhede, was initiated on the basis of two non-anonymous complaints and not at the instance of NCP leader Nawab Malik.

In an affidavit filed by Vishal Sanap, Deputy Director General (South West Region), the NCB said neither were the complaints lodged by Mr. Malik, nor were the inquiries started following any communication from him. The agency added that it has a duty to examine allegations of irregularities in cases handled by Mr. Wankhede.

Mr. Wankhede has filed a petition before the High Court challenging the probe into his conduct in drug-related cases, including the one connected to the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Through his counsel, Rajiv Chavan, he submitted a rejoinder affidavit claiming that multiple cases have been filed against him after he arrested Aryan Khan, son of actor Shah Rukh Khan, in a 2021 drugs-on-cruise case. He also alleged that former Minister Mr. Malik held a grudge against him as he had arrested Mr. Malik’s son-in-law, Sameer Khan, in a separate drug case.

The Bench of Justices A.S. Gadkali and Kamal Khata was told by the NCB that the agency has the right and duty to verify the complaints. The probe is at the verification stage, the NCB said, adding that Mr. Wankhede had delayed the process by filing petitions and legal proceedings since 2024. The agency stated that Mr. Wankhede has been called for questioning to give him an opportunity to explain his position, as required by natural justice.

Mr. Chavan sought time to examine the NCB’s affidavit. The court posted the matter for hearing after two weeks.

The NCB had earlier told the High Court that there were allegations of irregularities against Mr. Wankhede, leading to a preliminary inquiry. The agency began a probe into drug use in the film industry after Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in June 2020. It later registered a case against the late actor’s girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik, and 33 others. Subsequently, the NCB received complaints of irregularities in the probe against Mr. Wankhede.

Between November 2023 and March 2024, the NCB issued eight notices to Mr. Wankhede, directing him to appear before Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh, who is heading the preliminary enquiry. Mr. Wankhede, in his petition, said he was being targeted and the enquiry was an act of vengeance.

The Central Bureau of Investigation booked Mr. Wankhede in May 2023 on charges of extortion and bribery for allegedly seeking ₹25 crore for not framing Aryan Khan in the cruise ship drug bust case. The NCB later filed a chargesheet against 14 accused but gave a clean chit to Aryan Khan. The Enforcement Directorate also registered a money laundering case against Mr. Wankhede. He moved the High Court against both cases and was granted interim protection from coercive action.