Delhi High Court Greenlights Disciplinary Action Against Sameer Wankhede in Cordelia Cruise Case
The Delhi High Court has granted official approval for disciplinary proceedings to be initiated against former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede. This significant legal development is directly connected to the high-profile Cordelia cruise drug case that captured national attention several years ago.
Allegations of Extortion and Threats Against Bollywood Icon
Wankhede, who served as the investigating officer in the Cordelia cruise matter, made headlines for allegedly demanding an enormous sum of Rs 25 crore from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The accusation states that Wankhede threatened to implicate Khan's son, Aryan Khan, in the drug case unless the payment was made. These serious allegations have been under judicial scrutiny, leading to this recent court decision that permits formal disciplinary action against the former officer.
Background of the Cordelia Cruise Controversy
The Cordelia cruise drug case emerged as one of the most sensational legal episodes in recent Indian history, involving multiple high-profile individuals from the entertainment industry. Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, was among those detained during an NCB raid on the cruise ship in 2021. While Aryan Khan was eventually cleared of charges, the investigation raised numerous questions about procedural integrity and potential misconduct by officials involved in the case.
Sameer Wankhede's role as the lead investigator became particularly controversial following allegations of extortion attempts against the Khan family. The Delhi High Court's authorization of disciplinary action represents a crucial step toward accountability in this matter, potentially setting important precedents for how such allegations against law enforcement officials are handled in the future.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
With the Delhi High Court's nod, disciplinary authorities can now proceed with formal actions against Wankhede. This may include investigations into his conduct during the Cordelia cruise case, potential violations of service rules, and the specific allegations of demanding money from Shah Rukh Khan. The court's decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity within investigative agencies, particularly when dealing with cases that involve influential figures and serious accusations of misconduct.
The case continues to draw significant public and media interest, reflecting broader concerns about corruption and abuse of power in law enforcement. As disciplinary proceedings move forward, legal experts anticipate further developments that could impact how similar cases are investigated and prosecuted in India's judicial system.
