CBI considers summoning Shah Rukh & Aryan Khan for statements in Sameer Wankhede case

In a surprising turn of events, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now focusing its attention on Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his son Aryan Khan regarding an alleged extortion case related to Aryan's previous arrest in an alleged drug case. The probe has taken a new twist with the former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Sameer Wankhede, coming under scrutiny.

According to the latest reports, CBI is likely to summon Shah Rukh Khan and Aryan Khan to record their statements in connection with the case. The investigation is centered around the accusation that Sameer Wankhede demanded a bribe of Rs 25 crore from Shah Rukh Khan to avoid implicating Aryan in the drug case. Kiran Gosavi and Sanville D’Souza, who are accused in the extortion case, allegedly acted at Wankhede's behest.

Reports reveal that Shah Rukh Khan's statements are crucial as the accused demanded a significant sum of money from him. The CBI aims to get to the bottom of the alleged conspiracy. An official stated, "Recording their statements is necessary to get to the bottom of the conspiracy. We will soon record the statements of Aryan Khan, who was arrested by NCB, and Shah Rukh Khan, from whom ₹25 crore was demanded."

While Sameer Wankhede was "partially examined" by the CBI in May, formal interrogation sessions are pending as the agency awaits court approval. Sameer Wankhede currently enjoys interim protection from arrest until June 23, as granted by the Bombay High Court.

Aryan Khan's arrest in October 2021 made headlines, but no drugs were found on him. The extortion attempt is believed to be linked to his arrest, as the NCB initially portrayed Aryan as an "international dealer." However, later developments suggested that he was deliberately targeted.

The CBI has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Sameer Wankhede, VV Singh (NCB Superintendent), Ashish Ranjan (intelligence officer), and two private individuals, KP Gosavi and D'Souza. The charges include criminal conspiracy and threat of extortion.