CBI says it has prima facie case of extortion and bribery against Sameer Wankhede; seeks recall of interim protection order

The CBI has sought the Bombay High Court to recall its earlier order granting interim protection to Sameer Wankhede, saying it has a prima facie case against him on charges of extortion and bribery in connection with the arrest of Aryan Khan

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has sought the Bombay High Court to recall its earlier order granting interim protection from arrest to NCB's former Mumbai Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, saying it has a prima facie case against him on charges of extortion and bribery in connection with the arrest of Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan following alleged seizure of drugs from a cruise ship.

The CBI last month filed an FIR against Mr. Wankhede and four others for allegedly demanding ₹25 crore bribe in return for not framing Aryan Khan in the drugs case.

Mr. Wankhede had moved the High Court seeking to quash the FIR and gain interim protection from any coercive action.

A Vacation Bench of the HC last month granted interim relief to Mr. Wankhede and directed him to cooperate with the investigation.

The CBI on June 2 filed its affidavit in response to Mr. Wankhede's petition and sought that the interim protection order be recalled and the plea be dismissed.

“The CBI has a prima facie case and grant of any interim relief would adversely affect the ongoing investigation. Hence, it is respectfully prayed that the interim relief granted to the petitioner [Mr. Wankhede] from arrest may please be recalled,” the agency said.

The CBI in its affidavit said it registered the FIR against Mr. Wankhede based on a written complaint issued to it by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on May 11, 2023.