EX NCB officer Sameer Wankhede reacts to his chats with Shah Rukh Khan being leaked: 'It was meant to..'

More than three years after the high-profile arrest of Aryan Khan in an alleged drug case, the controversy continues to spark interest — this time due to the sudden leak of private chats between actor Shah Rukh Khan and then Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede. These messages, which had remained confidential during court proceedings, unexpectedly surfaced in the media, prompting new debates and speculation.

The case in question dates back to October 2021, when Aryan Khan was detained following a drug raid conducted on a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast. Despite no drugs being found in his possession, Aryan was arrested by the NCB and spent several weeks in custody. The handling of the investigation, and Wankhede's role in particular, drew widespread attention. Over time, the focus shifted to the legal fallout and the personal dynamics between those involved, especially after the leaked conversations between Shah Rukh Khan and Wankhede came into public view.

Addressing the issue for the first time, Wankhede, in a conversation with Subhojit Ghosh, has said that even he was surprised by the leak. He clarified that the chats were meant to be submitted only in court and were never intended to become public. “As for the leaks you mentioned, I was also surprised. Because that was something meant only to be produced before the honorable court. How it got leaked, I cannot comment on,” he said.

As for the leaks you mentioned, I was also surprised. Because that was something meant only to be produced before the honorable court. How it got leaked, I cannot comment on.

- Sameer Wankhede

He also explained why he has remained silent on the entire matter so far. According to Wankhede, his silence is not due to fear or secrecy, but out of legal obligation and respect for India’s judicial system. “See, again, I would not like to say anything about the case. Just for your knowledge and for the public's understanding, I want to clarify that I am silent not because I have something to hide. I remain silent because I have deep respect for the Constitution, for the court, and for the honorable judiciary,” he said.

Wankhede further added, “Whatever I am saying to you right now, I am only able to speak because of our justice system. Because we have a very honest and independent judiciary. I have to respect that. That is why I have given an affidavit to the court stating that I will not speak about the case. Otherwise, I would have had a lot to say. But I cannot. And the only reason is my respect for the honorable court and the affidavit I submitted.”

When asked about why he did not share some of the contents of those chats with other NCB officials, Wankhede clarified that the material in question was not part of the court proceedings at the time. “Yes, I was asked that. But again, that was not a part of the court proceedings. It was part of an earlier issue that has already been set aside by the court. Those proceedings, I can definitely speak about,” he explained.

He went on to state that the Delhi High Court has already ruled on those specific matters. “What you are referring to has already been addressed by the honorable Delhi High Court through two judgments. Those proceedings were found to be legally untenable,” he said.

When asked to clarify what that meant, he explained, “It means it was dismissed as bad in law. Meaning the court found it legally unsound.”

The leaked chats, which included emotional messages from Shah Rukh Khan pleading for his son, had drawn significant public attention. Wankhede’s latest remarks indicate that despite the public pressure and ongoing interest in the case, he continues to abide strictly by legal commitments. Whether further revelations come to light remains to be seen, but for now, Wankhede has made it clear that he will speak only within the bounds of law.