Sameer Wankhede under scrutiny for alleged Rs 25 Crore bribe to Shah Rukh Khan in Aryan Khan case

In relation to the Aryan Khan drug case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken a significant step by registering a money laundering case against former Mumbai NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede. Reports suggest that this action stems from allegations of a staggering Rs 25 crore bribe demand from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to secure his son, Aryan Khan's release in the drug case.

The case, which garnered widespread attention, unfolded in 2021 when Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was arrested in connection with an alleged drug case. Subsequently, allegations emerged accusing Sameer Wankhede of seeking bribes and engaging in criminal conspiracy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) booked Wankhede and others on charges including criminal conspiracy, threat of extortion, and bribery under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Amidst the legal proceedings, Aryan Khan ultimately received a clean chit after a year, further complicating the situation. However, the case took a shocking turn when an independent witness claimed that NCB officials, including Wankhede, demanded a hefty sum of Rs 25 crore to release Aryan Khan. This revelation prompted an internal vigilance probe by the NCB, leading to the registration of a case against Wankhede.

In response to the ED's actions, Sameer Wankhede has reportedly sought protection from any coercive action by the anti-money laundering agency, moving to the Bombay High Court for relief. The unfolding legal saga has once again thrust the Aryan Khan drug case into the spotlight. 

Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, is gearing up for his directorial debut with a web series titled "Stardom". Set to be a fictionalized account of the Hindi film industry, the project, led by Lakshya Lalwani, promises to offer audiences a unique perspective on the inner workings of Bollywood.