Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has once again stirred headlines after making a strong statement in the wake of his defamation suit against Aryan Khan’s upcoming project, “The Ba**ds of Bollywood.”* The former IRS officer, who led the high-profile 2021 Mumbai cruise drugs case that saw actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan arrested, has claimed that his family is being subjected to online abuse and hate messages following renewed media attention around the film.
Wankhede’s Allegations
In his recent remarks to the press, Wankhede said that ever since reports surfaced about the film — which allegedly draws inspiration from the NCB’s controversial drug raids in Bollywood — his family has been flooded with hate messages and threats on social media platforms.
“My family is being targeted again for something we have no connection with,” Wankhede reportedly said. “People are sending hateful messages, abusive comments, and threats to my wife and children. This constant harassment is unacceptable and deeply distressing.”
He further asserted that the upcoming movie attempts to malign his image and misrepresent facts related to the Aryan Khan case, which was later dropped by the NCB due to lack of evidence. “I have always done my duty as per law. There was no personal agenda, no bias. But once again, attempts are being made to twist the narrative for sensationalism,” he added.
The Defamation Suit
Wankhede has filed a legal notice and defamation suit against the makers of The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, alleging that the film’s portrayal of events amounts to character assassination and reputational harm. His petition argues that the movie draws “false and defamatory parallels” to the 2021 case and paints investigative officers, including him, in an “unethical and communal light.”
Legal sources indicate that Wankhede has sought an injunction on the film’s release until all references or insinuations connected to his name or the Aryan Khan case are removed. He has also demanded an official apology and compensation for damages caused to his personal and professional reputation.
Background: The Aryan Khan Case
Sameer Wankhede came to national prominence in October 2021 when he led the NCB’s Mumbai Zonal Unit in a raid on a cruise ship, leading to the arrest of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, on allegations of drug possession and consumption. The case dominated headlines for weeks before the NCB ultimately cleared Aryan of all charges, citing lack of evidence.
Following the acquittal, Wankhede faced accusations of bias, extortion, and misconduct, including claims that he and his team attempted to frame Aryan Khan for publicity and personal gain. Wankhede has consistently denied all allegations, insisting that he was the victim of a political and media-driven witch hunt.
Reaction to the Film
The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, reportedly centered around the dark underbelly of celebrity scandals, has already attracted controversy for its alleged portrayal of the Aryan Khan case and its parallels with real-life figures in law enforcement and the entertainment industry.
While the filmmakers have not officially confirmed that Wankhede’s character features in the movie, several promotional materials and leaked descriptions suggest similarities between the film’s plot and the 2021 NCB episode.
The former NCB officer’s legal move has reignited debate over freedom of artistic expression versus personal defamation. Supporters of Wankhede argue that the film’s timing and content appear to exploit a sensitive case for profit, while others contend that public figures must tolerate creative interpretation as part of free expression.
Online Backlash and Family’s Safety
In his statement, Wankhede also appealed to the public to refrain from targeting his family, emphasizing that his wife, actress Kranti Redkar, and their children had “nothing to do with the controversy.” He revealed that the hate messages had intensified after news of his lawsuit went viral, and urged law enforcement authorities to take note of the online abuse.
“No one has the right to threaten or defame a public servant’s family. I’ve faced professional scrutiny, but dragging my wife and kids into this is inhuman,” he said, adding that he would take legal action against individuals involved in cyberbullying or harassment.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding The Ba**ds of Bollywood* and Sameer Wankhede’s defamation suit has reignited public memory of one of Bollywood’s most sensational legal dramas. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case once again blurs the line between fact and fiction, law and entertainment, and public accountability and personal privacy.
For now, Wankhede maintains that his battle is not just about reputation but about protecting his family’s dignity. “I did my duty then, and I am doing my duty now — to stand for the truth,” he concluded.
