The defamation lawsuit filed by NCB officer Sameer Wankhede against a leading production house and a popular streaming platform has brought new attention to the portrayal of law enforcement in entertainment. Sameer Wankhede claims that a character in the web series “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood” is based on him in a way that harms his reputation and undermines public trust in the police.
Sameer Wankhede addressed rumours suggesting a personal grudge against Shah Rukh Khan, insisting there is none. Speaking to the media, he emphasised that his actions are strictly guided by the law. He stated that as a government officer, he follows established rules and procedures, and personal conflicts have no place in his work. He described such rumours as baseless chatter with no connection to reality.
The controversy traces back to October 2021 when Sameer Wankhede, then zonal director of the NCB, led a high-profile raid on a cruise ship in Mumbai. The operation resulted in the arrest of several individuals, including Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan who spent nearly three weeks in custody before being granted bail. Months later, the charges against Aryan Khan were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Following the release, allegations emerged suggesting a bribe had been demanded to secure Aryan Khan’s freedom. This led to a corruption case against Sameer Wankhede in 2023, which he has consistently denied, calling the accusations politically motivated. In response to what he sees as unfair portrayals, Sameer Wankhede filed a defamation case in 2025, asserting that the series features a harmful and exaggerated depiction of him, affecting the image of law enforcement officers.
Sameer Wankhede also addressed claims about leaked private messages from the 2021 investigation. He clarified that any evidence presented was part of official court procedures. To comply with legal requirements, he submitted a certificate under India’s Evidence Act to ensure that all the electronic records were properly authenticated and legally presented.
Throughout his statements, Sameer Wankhede maintained that his actions have always followed due process and were never personal. The case highlights the complex interaction between public perception, media portrayals and the responsibilities of law enforcement officials.
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