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{{Short description|Indian law-enforcement officer}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Sameer Wankhede  
| name               = Sameer Wankhede
| image       =  
| native_name        =
| caption     =
| image             = File:Sameer_Wankhede.jpg
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1979|12|14}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbic.gov.in/resources//htdocs-cbec/deptt_offcr/Draft_Civil_List_01.01.2020.pdf|title=Draft Civil List-2020 of IRS (C&CE) Officers as on 01.01.2020 - reg. |website=cbic.gov.in}}</ref>
| image_size        =  
| birth_place = Mumbai
| caption           = Sameer Wankhede in Mumbai
| birth_name = Sameer Dnyandev Wankhede<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sep 3 |first=ByAbhishek SharanAbhishek Sharan / Updated: |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/dri-joint-director-loaned-to-ncb/articleshow/77899766.cms |title=DRI joint director loaned to NCB |last2=2020 |last3=Ist |first3=06:00 |language=en}}</ref>
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1979|12|14|df=y}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/in-allegations-against-sameer-wankhede-questions-of-religion-conversion-in-eligibility-for-sc-quota-7594301/|title=In allegations against Sameer Wankhede, questions of religion, conversion, in eligibility for SC quota|date=28 October 2021|publisher=[[The Indian Express]]}}</ref>
| occupation  = Zonal director
| birth_place       = [[Mumbai]], Maharashtra, India<ref name="singham">{{cite news |date=24 November 2020 |title=Sameer Wankhede—Mumbai’s Singham |publisher=[[India Today]] |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/sameer-wankhede-mumbai-s-singham-1743762-2020-11-24}}</ref>
| organization = [[Narcotics Control Bureau]]
| death_date        =  
| nationality  = India
| death_place        =  
| education    = B. A. (History Hons.)
| other_names        =  
| father = Daynandev Wankhede
| known_for          =  
| mother = Zaheda Wankhede
| occupation        = [[Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes)|IRS]] officer
| spouse = [[Kranti Redkar]]
| nationality        = [[India]]n
| children = 2
| alma_mater        = [[University of Mumbai]]
| spouse            = {{ubl|{{marriage|Shabana Qureshi|2006|2016|reason=divorced}}<ref name="firstwife">{{cite news |title='My father is Hindu and my mother was Muslim': Sameer Wankhede after 'slanderous attacks' by Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/my-mother-is-muslim-sameer-wankhede-hits-back-at-nawab-malik-1869080-2021-10-25 |work=Free Press Journal|date=25 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>|{{marriage|Kranti Redkar|2017}}<ref name="spouse">{{cite news |title=NCB officer Sameer Wankedhe's wife Kranti Redkar Wankhede was Ajay Devgn's 'Gangajal' co-star, know all about her |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/bollywood/report-aryan-khan-case-ncb-officer-sameer-wankedhe-wife-kranti-redkar-wankhede-was-ajay-devgn-s-gangajal-co-star-2914461 |work=DNA India |date=7 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>}}
}}
}}
'''Sameer Wankhede''' ({{lang-hi|समीर वानखेड़े}}) is a 2008 batch [[Indian Revenue Service]] officer and the Zonal director of the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (NCB). During 2008 to 2020, he served as [[Deputy Commissioner of Air Intelligence Unit]] (AIU), [[Additional Superintendent of Police]] of the [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA) and Joint Commissioner of the [Directorate of Revenue Intelligence]] (DRI). He is popularly known for being on the front foot of all the operations of the NCB and conducting raids to seize drugs and other contraband in [[Mumbai]] and surrounding areas.


==Early life==
'''Sameer Wankhede''' is an Indian officer of the [[Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes)|Indian Revenue Service]] from the 2008 batch.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 24, 2021|first=Saurabh|last=Vaktania|title=IRS officer behind drug-busts: All you need to know about NCB's Sameer Wankhede and his family|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/sameer-wankhede-ncb-mumbai-cruise-drug-case-ssr-death-nawab-malik-aryan-khan-1868872-2021-10-24|access-date=2021-10-27|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Until 2021, he worked as Zonal Director of the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (NCB).<ref name="sushantcase">{{cite news |title=Behind the scenes: Who is Sameer Wankhede, the man investigating Aryan Khan? And why is actress Kranti Redkar proud of him? |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/behind-the-scenes-who-is-sameer-wankhede-the-man-investigating-aryan-khan-and-why-actress-kranti-redkar-is-proud-of-him/articleshow/86801748.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> Prior to joining [[Narcotics Control Bureau|NCB]], Sameer Wankhede worked with the [[National Investigation Agency]] and the Air Intelligence Unit.<ref
Wankhede was born in Mumbai to a retired police officer Daynandev Wankhede and his wife Zaheda Wankhede. He is married to the Marathi actress, [[Kranti Redkar]], and the couple have two children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/behind-the-scenes-who-is-sameer-wankhede-the-man-investigating-aryan-khan-and-why-actress-kranti-redkar-is-proud-of-him/articleshow/86801748.cms?from=mdr |title=Behind the scenes: Who is Sameer Wankhede, the man investigating Aryan Khan? And why is actress Kranti Redkar proud of him?}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/kranti-redkar-wishes-husband-sameer-wankhede-on-his-birthday-says-you-are-the-center-of-my-universe/articleshow/79719963.cms |title=Kranti Redkar wishes husband Sameer Wankhede on his birthday, says "You are the center of my universe" - Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
name="sushantcase"/>
 
==Early life and education==
Sameer Wankhede is an Indian civil servant known for his contributions as an officer in the [[Indian Revenue Service (IRS)|Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes)]]. He was born on December 14, 1979, in a middle-class family in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]. He completed his BA in 2001 from [[Ramnarain Ruia College]].<ref>{{cite news |title=मुंबई:नवाब मलिक की बढ़ सकती हैं मुश्किलें समीर वानखेड़े के पिता|url=https://www.amarujala.com/india-news/drugs-case-sameer-wankhede-father-dhyandev-kachruji-wankhede-files-defamation-suit-against-nawab-malik |access-date=7 November 2021 |work=Amarujala |date=7 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sameer Wankhede — Sameer Wankhede Biography: Everything about Zonal Director NCB |url=https://www.jagrantv.com/en-show/sameer-wankhede-biography-age-career-ncb-officer-upsc-rank-family-wife-daughter-photo-and-news-rc1023905 |access-date=19 May 2023 |work=Jagran Tv |date=19 May 2023}}</ref>
During his formative years, Wankhede developed a keen interest in social issues and governance. After completing his primary and secondary education in Maharashtra, he enrolled in a reputed university to further his academic journey. He also graduated with a degree in [[LLB|Bachelor of Laws]] from the [[Mumbai University]] reflecting his interest in legal matters and the judiciary system.<ref>https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/career/irs-sameer-wankhede-educational-qualification-upsc-rank-biography-age-wife-controversy-aryan-khan-drug-case-6237831-page-6.html</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
He started preparing for the [[UPSC]] examination after completing secondary studies. After clearing the examination, he passed out in 2008, and he was appointed as an [[Indian Revenue Service officer]] and served as [[Deputy Customs Commissioner]] of the [[Air Intelligence Unit]] (AIU) at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport]] in Mumbai.<ref name=":0" /> In 2010, he booked 2,500 people including 200 celebrities under the charges of tax evasion. In 2011, Sameer seized the 2011 World Cup trophy as it was made of gold, and the association was required to pay the customs duty.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=DelhiOctober 3 |first=India Today Web Desk New |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/meet-sameer-wankhede-ncb-mumbai-cruise-drugs-bust-aryan-khan-1860222-2021-10-03 |title=Meet Sameer Wankhede, top NCB officer behind the Mumbai cruise drugs bust |last2=October 4 |first2=2021UPDATED: |last3=Ist |first3=2021 02:19 |language=en}}</ref>
Throughout his career, Wankhede has held various positions in law enforcement agencies involved in drug enforcement. He has been actively involved in conducting raids, intelligence operations, and undercover investigations targeting drug traffickers and their networks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sameer Wankhede to appear in Khupte Tithe Gupte, says, "Threats from the underworld don't scare me", watch promo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/marathi/sameer-wankhede-to-appear-in-khupte-tithe-gupte-says-threats-from-the-underworld-dont-scare-me-watch-promo/articleshow/102388930.cms |access-date=3 August 2023 |work=Times Of India |date=3 August 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=जानिए कौन है वो अफसर, जिसके नाम से बॉलीवुड में मची है खलबली  |url=https://www.aajtak.in/crime/police-and-intelligence/story/mumbai-sushant-singh-rajput-case-drugs-angle-bollywood-ips-sameer-wankhede-ncb-officer-investigation-crime-1123806-2020-09-03 |access-date=4 September 2020 |work=Aaj Tak |date=4 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/top-customs-official-refuses-security-cover-despite-death-threats/articleshow/18553650.cms|title=Top customs official refuses security cover despite death threats|date=13 February 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Bhardwaj | first=Ananya | title=Sameer Wankhede 'detached' from NCB, will report back to revenue intelligence as 'loan' ends | website=ThePrint | date=2022-01-03 | url=https://theprint.in/india/sameer-wankhede-detached-from-ncb-will-report-back-to-revenue-intelligence-as-loan-ends/794341/}}</ref> During his 15-year career he has been credited with seizure of 17,000 kilos of [[narcotics|Narcotic]] and 165 kilos of gold.<ref>https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nothing-personal-against-anyone-sameer-wankhede-on-nawab-maliks-accusations-in-aryan-khan-drugs-case</ref>
 
===Zakir Naik case===
Sameer Wankhede played a crucial role in booking controversial Islamic preacher [[Zakir Naik]] for alleged money laundering and incitement of religious hatred.<ref>https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=430037</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=DRI Joint director loaned to NCB |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/dri-joint-director-loaned-to-ncb/articleshow/77899766.cms}}</ref>
 
===Dawood Ibrahim's aide Chinku Pathan case===
Chinku Pathan, known for his association with the infamous underworld don [[Dawood Ibrahim]], was a notorious figure in the world of crime. He was allegedly involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. The operation was led by Sameer Wankhede and the arrest took place as part of an operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), where Wankhede serves as an officer.<ref>{{cite news |title=NCB arrests drug peddler associated with Dawood Ibrahim's aide Chinku Pathan |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/crime/story/ncb-arrests-drug-peddler-associated-with-dawood-ibrahim-s-aide-chinku-pathan-1851583-2021-09-10 |work=India Today |date=10 September 2021}}</ref>
 
===Mika Singh Airport case===
In February 2013, singer [[Mika Singh]] was detained when he tried to move out of Mumbai international airport without declaring over Rs 9 lakh after he arrived from Bangkok.<ref>{{cite news |title=Singer Mika detained by customs for violation of FEMA rules |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-singer-mika-detained-by-customs-for-violation-of-fema-rules-1797140 |access-date=21 November 2013 |work=DNA}}</ref> Singh was detained by the customs' Air Intelligence Unit headed by Sameer Wankhede. Two liquor bottles, sunglasses and perfumes were found in Mika's bag.<ref>https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ncb-sameer-wankhede-aryan-khan-drugs-case-bollywood-celebrities-1869724-2021-10-26</ref>


After serving at the Air Intelligence Unit, he became the additional SP of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and he was appointed as the Joint Commissioner of [[Directorate of Revenue Intelligence]] (DRI).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-meet-irs-officer-sameer-wankhede-who-busted-film-industry-drugs-nexus-and-his-bollywood-connection-2913914 |title=Meet IRS officer Sameer Wankhede who busted film industry-drugs nexus and his Bollywood connection |date=2021-10-03 |language=en}}</ref> He then became the zonal director of the [[Narcotics Control Bureau]], and managed to seize drugs worth {{INRConvert|17000|c}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/ncbs-sameer-wankhede-heading-probe-into-mumbai-drug-bust-case-alleges-being-snooped-on-4312040.html |title=NCB’s Sameer Wankhede, Heading Probe Into Mumbai Drug Bust Case, Alleges Being Snooped On |date=2021-10-11 |language=en}}</ref>
===Khan case and corruption allegations===
Wankhede led the Cordelia case<ref>{{Cite web|title=Aryan Khan Case Officer Alleges Targeted Over "Dead Mother, Her Religion"|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/aryan-khan-drugs-case-sameer-wankhede-dead-mother-her-religion-being-dragged-anti-drugs-officer-hits-out-2586880|access-date=2021-10-25|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> where a cruise ship was raided and [[Aryan Khan (actor)|Aryan Khan]], the son of actor [[Shah Rukh Khan]] was arrested on charges of drug use and possession. [[Aryan Khan (actor)|Aryan Khan]] spent 26 days in jail before being given bail. In May 2022 all charges against Khan were dropped, with Wankhede removed from the case after being accused of blackmail.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=27 May 2022 |title=Aryan Khan: Drug charges dropped against Shah Rukh Khan's son |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-61548614 |work=[[BBC News]] |location= |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref> He was transferred to [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite web | title=NCB’s ex-zonal chief Sameer Wankhede transferred to Chennai | website=Hindustan Times | date=2022-05-31 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wankhede-transferred-to-chennai-101653939060791.html}}</ref>


After the death of Bollywood actor [[Sushant Singh Rajput]], and the alleged involvement of a drug angle in the case, Wankhede conducted several raids in [[Maharashtra]]. He personally interrogated [[Rhea Chakraborty]] and other celebrities as a part of the Bollywood drugs nexus.<ref name=":1" />
In May 2023, Wankhede was charged with corruption, after allegedly threatening Khan that he would be framed for drugs if he did not pay a bribe of 250m rupees (US$3.04m.) Wankhede denied the claims and argued he was being punished for acting patriotically.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |last=Sebastian |first=Meryl |date=17 May 2023 |title=Aryan Khan case: Sameer Wankhede accused of asking for bribe from Shah Rukh Khan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65606608|work=[[BBC News]] |location= |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref> The national spokesman of the [[Nationalist Congress Party]], [[Nawab Malik]], accused Wankhede of various offences, including extortion.<ref name="bbc1"/> A probe by India's [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] claimed that Wankhede had confiscated valuables from suspects without recording them, had manipulated CCTV footage and had lived a lifestyle of foreign holidays far beyond his means, including trips to luxury resorts in the Maldives.<ref>{{cite news |last=Joshi |first=Sahil |date=19 May 2023 |title=Corruption, misconduct: Anti-drug agency's report on Aryan Khan case officer Sameer Wankhede |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ncb-enquiry-report-findings-sameer-wankhede-corruption-aryan-khan-drugs-case-2381156-2023-05-18 |work=[[India Today]] |location= |access-date=18 June 2022}}</ref>


In November 2020, the NCB arrested comedian [[Bharti Singh]] and her husband under the [[Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act]] for the possession and consumption of cannabis. The NCB then searched their house and official premises and found 86 grams of cannabis.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/ncb-arrests-comedian-bharti-singh-after-cannabis-seizure-from-her-house/article33148825.ece |title=The Hindu |date=2020-11-21 |location=Mumbai |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
===South Mumbai drug laboratory case===
Wankhede's investigation led the authorities to the clandestine drug laboratory operating in South Mumbai.<ref>https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mumbai-drug-racket-ncb-raids-4-places-in-dongri-nabs-1-942174.html</ref> This laboratory was not only involved in manufacturing illegal narcotics but also acted as a central hub for the distribution of drugs to various parts of the city and beyond. The drug cartel was found to be involved in producing and trafficking various types of narcotics, including synthetic drugs, cocaine, and MDMA (Ecstasy). The scale of the operation and the volume of drugs being circulated raised serious concerns among law enforcement agencies and policymakers. The agency had seized 12 kilograms of mephedrone, a pistol and cash ₹2.18 crore.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fourth member of south Mumbai drug cartel held |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/fourth-member-of-south-mumbai-drug-cartel-held-101611432352472.html |access-date=24 Jan 2021 |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 Jan 2021}}</ref>


On 22 November 2020, Wankhede along with five other members of his team were attacked by a mob of 60 alleged drug peddlers. Two of his colleagues were seriously injured whereas he escaped from the brawl with minor injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/india/ncb-zonal-director-sameer-wankhede-attacked-by-drug-peddlers-in-mumbai-2326117.html |title=NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede attacked by drug peddlers in Mumbai |date=2020-11-23 |language=en}}</ref>
===Bipasha Basu Airport case===
Actress [[Bipasha Basu]] was stopped at Mumbai International Airport after arriving from London in 2011 by Sameer Wankhede's team and slapped with a fine of Rs 12,000 for not declaring imported valuables worth Rs 60 lakh. She had allegedly not declared footwear, designer sunglasses and handbags.<ref>{{cite news |title=Customs detains Bipasha, let off after paying duty |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/customs-detains-bipasha-let-off-after-paying-duty/articleshow/8593987.cms |work=Times of India |date=27 May 2011}}</ref>


In June 2021, Wankhede and his team arrested a 25-year-old drug supplier who used to work for [[Chinku Pathan]] a member of a gang run by Dawood Ibrahim. The accused has over 21 criminal cases registered against them including attempt to murder, kidnapping, and threatening.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MumbaiSeptember 10 |first=Divyesh Singh |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/crime/story/ncb-arrests-drug-peddler-associated-with-dawood-ibrahim-s-aide-chinku-pathan-1851583-2021-09-10 |title=NCB arrests drug peddler associated with Dawood Ibrahim's aide Chinku Pathan |last2=September 10 |first2=2021UPDATED: |last3=Ist |first3=2021 23:07 |language=en}}</ref> In June 2021, they conducted another raid at a bakery in Malad and they seized 10 cannabis-based brownie cakes and 35 grams of marijuana. The team managed to catch three individuals including a woman and the supplier. Later, the NCB team led by Wankhede raided his place and found 125 grams of marijuana.<ref>{{Cite web |last=MumbaiJuly 14 |first=Divyesh Singh |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/mumbai/story/ncb-arrests-psychologist-baking-selling-brownies-infused-drugs-south-mumbai-1827809-2021-07-14 |title=NCB arrests psychologist for baking, selling brownies infused with drugs in South Mumbai |last2=July 14 |first2=2021UPDATED: |last3=Ist |first3=2021 17:11 |language=en}}</ref> In July, the NCB nabbed another such racket when they arrested a 25-year-old professional psychologist, who was baking and selling brownies mixed with hashish, ganja, and charas. NCB recovered 10 kgs of hashish brownies, 350 gm of opium, and Rs. 1.7 lakh cash from the residence.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/10kg-hashish-cake-drugs-seized-from-mumbai-psychologist-s-home-101626206934974.html |title=10-kg hashish cake, drugs seized from Mumbai psychologist’s home |date=2021-07-14 |language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life==
He is married to Marathi actress Kranti Redkar.<ref name="spouse"/><ref>{{cite news |date=October 11, 2021 |first=Arvind |last=Ojha |title=Leading probe into cruise drugs case, NCB zonal head Sameer Wankhede gets six-month extension |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ncb-mumbai-zonal-director-sameer-wankhede-aryan-khan-ship-drugs-ssr-case-1863654-2021-10-11 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> From his first marriage with Dr. Shabana Qureshi, he has a son, and from his second marriage, two daughters.<ref name="firstwife" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-06|title=Ending drug menace not possible with NCB alone, citizens have to report it, says Kranti Redkar Wankhede|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/ending-drug-menace-not-possible-with-ncb-alone-citizens-have-to-report-it-says-kranti-redkar-wankhede-1037963.html|access-date=2021-10-25|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref>


In October 2021, the NCB raided a drug party on a cruise ship en route from Mumbai to Goa and arrested eight people including [[Aryan Khan]]. During the raid, NCB seized cocaine, hashish, MD, and other drugs from the ship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=World |first=Republic |url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/amid-aryan-khans-arrest-citizens-gather-in-support-of-ncbs-sameer-wankhede.html |title=Amid Aryan Khan's arrest, citizens gather in support of NCB's Sameer Wankhede |language=en}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}


==References==
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wankhede, Sameer}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Indian government officials]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:People from Mumbai]]

Latest revision as of 15:32, 8 September 2023


Sameer Wankhede is an Indian officer of the Indian Revenue Service from the 2008 batch.[5] Until 2021, he worked as Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).[6] Prior to joining NCB, Sameer Wankhede worked with the National Investigation Agency and the Air Intelligence Unit.[6]

Sameer Wankhede
File:Sameer Wankhede.jpg
Sameer Wankhede in Mumbai
Born (1979-12-14) 14 December 1979 (age 45)[1]
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India[2]
NationalityIndian
Alma materUniversity of Mumbai
OccupationIRS officer
Spouse(s)
  • Shabana Qureshi
    ​
    (
    m. 2006; div. 2016)
    [3]
  • Kranti Redkar
    (
    m. 2017)
    [4]

Early life and educationEdit

Sameer Wankhede is an Indian civil servant known for his contributions as an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes). He was born on December 14, 1979, in a middle-class family in Maharashtra, India. He completed his BA in 2001 from Ramnarain Ruia College.[7][8] During his formative years, Wankhede developed a keen interest in social issues and governance. After completing his primary and secondary education in Maharashtra, he enrolled in a reputed university to further his academic journey. He also graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Laws from the Mumbai University reflecting his interest in legal matters and the judiciary system.[9]

CareerEdit

Throughout his career, Wankhede has held various positions in law enforcement agencies involved in drug enforcement. He has been actively involved in conducting raids, intelligence operations, and undercover investigations targeting drug traffickers and their networks.[10][11][12][13] During his 15-year career he has been credited with seizure of 17,000 kilos of Narcotic and 165 kilos of gold.[14]

Zakir Naik caseEdit

Sameer Wankhede played a crucial role in booking controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for alleged money laundering and incitement of religious hatred.[15][16]

Dawood Ibrahim's aide Chinku Pathan caseEdit

Chinku Pathan, known for his association with the infamous underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, was a notorious figure in the world of crime. He was allegedly involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and violence. The operation was led by Sameer Wankhede and the arrest took place as part of an operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), where Wankhede serves as an officer.[17]

Mika Singh Airport caseEdit

In February 2013, singer Mika Singh was detained when he tried to move out of Mumbai international airport without declaring over Rs 9 lakh after he arrived from Bangkok.[18] Singh was detained by the customs' Air Intelligence Unit headed by Sameer Wankhede. Two liquor bottles, sunglasses and perfumes were found in Mika's bag.[19]

Khan case and corruption allegationsEdit

Wankhede led the Cordelia case[20] where a cruise ship was raided and Aryan Khan, the son of actor Shah Rukh Khan was arrested on charges of drug use and possession. Aryan Khan spent 26 days in jail before being given bail. In May 2022 all charges against Khan were dropped, with Wankhede removed from the case after being accused of blackmail.[21] He was transferred to Chennai.[22]

In May 2023, Wankhede was charged with corruption, after allegedly threatening Khan that he would be framed for drugs if he did not pay a bribe of 250m rupees (US$3.04m.) Wankhede denied the claims and argued he was being punished for acting patriotically.[23] The national spokesman of the Nationalist Congress Party, Nawab Malik, accused Wankhede of various offences, including extortion.[23] A probe by India's Narcotics Control Bureau claimed that Wankhede had confiscated valuables from suspects without recording them, had manipulated CCTV footage and had lived a lifestyle of foreign holidays far beyond his means, including trips to luxury resorts in the Maldives.[24]

South Mumbai drug laboratory caseEdit

Wankhede's investigation led the authorities to the clandestine drug laboratory operating in South Mumbai.[25] This laboratory was not only involved in manufacturing illegal narcotics but also acted as a central hub for the distribution of drugs to various parts of the city and beyond. The drug cartel was found to be involved in producing and trafficking various types of narcotics, including synthetic drugs, cocaine, and MDMA (Ecstasy). The scale of the operation and the volume of drugs being circulated raised serious concerns among law enforcement agencies and policymakers. The agency had seized 12 kilograms of mephedrone, a pistol and cash ₹2.18 crore.[26]

Bipasha Basu Airport caseEdit

Actress Bipasha Basu was stopped at Mumbai International Airport after arriving from London in 2011 by Sameer Wankhede's team and slapped with a fine of Rs 12,000 for not declaring imported valuables worth Rs 60 lakh. She had allegedly not declared footwear, designer sunglasses and handbags.[27]

Personal lifeEdit

He is married to Marathi actress Kranti Redkar.[4][28] From his first marriage with Dr. Shabana Qureshi, he has a son, and from his second marriage, two daughters.[3][29]

ReferencesEdit

  1. ↑ "In allegations against Sameer Wankhede, questions of religion, conversion, in eligibility for SC quota". The Indian Express. 28 October 2021.
  2. ↑ "Sameer Wankhede—Mumbai's Singham". India Today. 24 November 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "'My father is Hindu and my mother was Muslim': Sameer Wankhede after 'slanderous attacks' by Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik". Free Press Journal. 25 October 2021.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "NCB officer Sameer Wankedhe's wife Kranti Redkar Wankhede was Ajay Devgn's 'Gangajal' co-star, know all about her". DNA India. 7 October 2021.
  5. ↑ Vaktania, Saurabh (24 October 2021). "IRS officer behind drug-busts: All you need to know about NCB's Sameer Wankhede and his family". India Today. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Behind the scenes: Who is Sameer Wankhede, the man investigating Aryan Khan? And why is actress Kranti Redkar proud of him?". The Economic Times.
  7. ↑ "मुंबई:नवाब मलिक की बढ़ सकती हैं मुश्किलें समीर वानखेड़े के पिता". Amarujala. 7 November 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
  8. ↑ "Sameer Wankhede — Sameer Wankhede Biography: Everything about Zonal Director NCB". Jagran Tv. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  9. ↑ https://hindi.news18.com/photogallery/career/irs-sameer-wankhede-educational-qualification-upsc-rank-biography-age-wife-controversy-aryan-khan-drug-case-6237831-page-6.html
  10. ↑ "Sameer Wankhede to appear in Khupte Tithe Gupte, says, "Threats from the underworld don't scare me", watch promo". Times Of India. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  11. ↑ "जानिए कौन है वो अफसर, जिसके नाम से बॉलीवुड में मची है खलबली". Aaj Tak. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  12. ↑ "Top customs official refuses security cover despite death threats". 13 February 2013.
  13. ↑ Bhardwaj, Ananya (3 January 2022). "Sameer Wankhede 'detached' from NCB, will report back to revenue intelligence as 'loan' ends". ThePrint.
  14. ↑ https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/nothing-personal-against-anyone-sameer-wankhede-on-nawab-maliks-accusations-in-aryan-khan-drugs-case
  15. ↑ https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=430037
  16. ↑ "DRI Joint director loaned to NCB".
  17. ↑ "NCB arrests drug peddler associated with Dawood Ibrahim's aide Chinku Pathan". India Today. 10 September 2021.
  18. ↑ "Singer Mika detained by customs for violation of FEMA rules". DNA. Retrieved 21 November 2013.
  19. ↑ https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/ncb-sameer-wankhede-aryan-khan-drugs-case-bollywood-celebrities-1869724-2021-10-26
  20. ↑ "Aryan Khan Case Officer Alleges Targeted Over "Dead Mother, Her Religion"". NDTV.com. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  21. ↑ "Aryan Khan: Drug charges dropped against Shah Rukh Khan's son". BBC News. 27 May 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "NCB's ex-zonal chief Sameer Wankhede transferred to Chennai". Hindustan Times. 31 May 2022.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sebastian, Meryl (17 May 2023). "Aryan Khan case: Sameer Wankhede accused of asking for bribe from Shah Rukh Khan". BBC News. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  24. ↑ Joshi, Sahil (19 May 2023). "Corruption, misconduct: Anti-drug agency's report on Aryan Khan case officer Sameer Wankhede". India Today. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  25. ↑ https://www.deccanherald.com/india/mumbai-drug-racket-ncb-raids-4-places-in-dongri-nabs-1-942174.html
  26. ↑ "Fourth member of south Mumbai drug cartel held". Hindustan Times. 24 January 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  27. ↑ "Customs detains Bipasha, let off after paying duty". Times of India. 27 May 2011.
  28. ↑ Ojha, Arvind (11 October 2021). "Leading probe into cruise drugs case, NCB zonal head Sameer Wankhede gets six-month extension". India Today.
  29. ↑ "Ending drug menace not possible with NCB alone, citizens have to report it, says Kranti Redkar Wankhede". Deccan Herald. 6 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
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