In India’s high-risk game of courts, former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede is engaged in a bitter legal battle. Charged with money laundering by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Wankhede finds himself facing investigations that could derail his career. But he’s not giving up—recently lashing out at Bollywood with a uncompromising defamation case. This court showdown combines classic drug raids with new media zingers, keeping Wankhede in the headlines four years since his controversial Aryan Khan raid.
Breaking: Wankhede’s New Courtroom Volley
Only last week, on September 25, 2025, Wankhede burst into Delhi’s High Court with a Rs 2 crore defamation suit against Netflix, Red Chillies Entertainment, and filmmaker Aryan Khan. The provocation? Khan’s first series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, which Wankhede claims satirizes his involvement in the 2021 cruise drug case. He seeks damages donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital and an injunction to stop the run of the show. This step reopens past sores, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) gets close to completing its inquiry into Wankhede’s behavior by late 2025. Supporters and detractors alike hum on the internet, making a humble IRS officer’s existence tabloid news once again.
The ‘Ba***ds’ Bust: Bollywood’s Bitter Echo
Wankhede’s name burst wide open in 2021 when he busted a Cordelia cruise ship on behalf of the NCB, arresting Aryan Khan and 17 others in a high-profile drugs case. The bust portrayed Bollywood as a hub of vice, with rumors of star fixes and illicit deals. Khan was let off months later after being acquitted of charges, but the bust left Wankhede tainted as well—fuelling caste bias allegations and ED investigation. Now, Khan’s satirical show turns that story on its head, reportedly depicting Wankhede as a corrupt police officer extorting stars. It’s a clever revenge, but Wankhede terms it a “malicious smear” on his anti-drug record. The irony? A raid intended to clean up Tinseltown has boomeranged into entertainment gold.
Wankhede’s World: Life in the Legal Limelight
Sameer Wankhede is 45 and balances family, fitness, and battles. Born in 1979 to a Mumbai police father, he climbed the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) hierarchy, gaining a reputation as a no-nonsense enforcer. After the bust, media frenzy and investigations kept him in the sidelines, but he continues to be active on social media denouncing societal evils such as addiction. Now, he’s a proud father to daughters from his second marriage, directing energy towards public service appeals. But the ED shadow hangs over him, with accusations of extorting Rs 25 crore in the Khan case. Wankhede rejects them all, promising to clear his name in the midst of the drama.
Desk Duty Blues: Wankhede’s Posting Puzzle
After Mumbai’s NCB zonal chief, Wankhede now goes through IRS routines in a low-key job, far from raid limelight. Transferred after 2021 in the midst of uproar, his present assignment stays low-key—most probably administrative jobs in revenue circles, according to insiders. No front-page heroics for this one; it’s paperwork and investigations. The Bombay High Court observes the CBI’s three-month time limit, but Wankhede hopes for reinstatement, claiming his suspension was politically motivated.
Homefront Hero: Kranti’s Quiet Fire
Behind every warrior is a strong wife, and for Wankhede, it’s actress-activist Kranti Redkar. Married since 2017, the couple has two girls and mixes Marathi heritage with Mumbai grit. Kranti, who is a star of movies such as Starry Night, became fierce protector after the crackdown. Days following Ba**ds***’s release, she wrote an enigmatic Instagram post: “The drug problem runs deep, not the stuff of fun.” It’s a veiled shot at the show, complimenting Sameer’s “war on narcotics” while tainting Hollywood gloss-over. Her message mobilizes fans, casting their drama as a family act against sleaze.
Probe Pressure: Cracking the ED Puzzle
The heart of conflict? ED’s 2022 money laundering FIR, investigating whether Wankhede and relatives extorted bribes for bail for Khan. Raids revealed suspected hawala connections and high-end property, but Wankhede responds with proof of clean palms. CBI’s mid-2025 update to courts promises closure at hand, but snags continue. Supporters claim it’s a vendetta; foes shout cover-up. Either way, this instance strains India’s anti-graft nets.
Counsel’s Corner: Wankhede’s Legal Lifeline
Judging this labyrinth is a savvy legal team, although names remain confidential in the new suit. Previous wars witnessed Wankhede withdraw a 2025 defamation gesture against Rakhi Sawant and attorney Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, indicating strategic selections. For the Bollywood fight, watch out for Delhi big guns specializing in media law, with Khan case transcripts to turn the tables.
Assets Amid Accusations: Wankhede’s Worth
Scrutiny hasn’t deprived his stability—estimates put Wankhede’s 2025 net worth at Rs 10-15 crore, up from Rs 5-6 crore pre-bust. It is a result of IRS salary (Rs 2.5 lakh a month), Mumbai apartments, and wife’s income. No luxury yachts, but good savings in the midst of the storm.
Suspension Standoff: Hanging in the Balance
Slapped with mandatory leave in 2021 for caste quota controversy, Wankhede’s suspension drags into 2025. Appeals come in heaps, but investigations stymie complete return. He works from home, focus on vindication. As courts battle, Wankhede’s duel continues—will justice swing his way?
FAQs
Why is Sameer Wankhede famous?
Sameer Wankhede is an Ex-Narcotics Bureau Officer and came into limelight when he arrested Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan.
What did Sameer Wankhede do?
In May 2023, he was charged with corruption for allegedly demanding 250 million rupees bribe from Shah Rukh Khan.
Where is Sameer Wankhede working now?
As of September 2025, Sameer Wankhede, an IRS officer of the 2008 batch, is serving as the Additional Commissioner in the Department of Revenue, based in Chennai.
Is Dr Shabana Qureshi wife of Sameer Wankhede?
Yes, Dr Shabana Qureshi is the first wife of Sameer Wankhede.
What is Aryan Khan’s religion?
Aryan Khan’s father is a Muslim and mother is a Hindu. Aryan stated that he is Muslim and was raised with aspect of both of his parents’ religions.
Where is Sameer Wankhede today?
As of March 6, 2025, Sameer Wankhedewill return to his posting at the DGARM in Mumbai.
What is the corruption of Wankhede?
The CBI has charged Wankhede under the sections of the Indian Penal Code (Now BNS) relating to criminal conspiracy and extortion, as well as provisions of anti-corruption law.
Who is the wife of Wankhede police officer?
Kranti Redkar is the current wife of police officer Sameer Wankhede.
