Mumbai: Inquiry finds selective targeting of Aryan Khan, says NCB

Aryan Khan

The vigilance team of the NCB has found "irregularities" in the investigation into the drugs-on-cruise case, involving Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, who was given a clean chit later. The inquiry has also found selective targeting of Aryan and recommended action against seven to eight officers who were involved in the case then, officers said on Tuesday.

The 3,000-page inquiry report was submitted to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) chief in July. It states that there were lapses on the part of seven to eight officers in not just the Aryan Khan case, but two other cases as well; all probed by Sameer Wankhede, the then zonal director, and his team.

Sameer Wankhede at an event in Bandra in August. Pic/Satej Shinde

A charge sheet has also been filed against the officers as per the departmental proceedings and under various Sections of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, said sources. Sources told mid-day that some of these officers are still associated with the NCB, while a few have moved to other agencies. However, the NCB has revealed none of their names.

Also Read: Mumbai: NCB recovers drug worth Rs 120 crore

Removal recommended

The vigilance report has recommended removal from the service for at least two officers, who are not associated with the NCB anymore. "We have submitted the vigilance report before the competent authority," said Gyaneshwar Singh, NCB, deputy director general, who headed the vigilance inquiry team.Aryan Khan and others were arrested in October 2021 after the alleged drug bust aboard a ship of the Cordelia Cruises off the Mumbai coast. The special investigation team, which took over the probe from Wankhede and his team, gave a clean chit to Aryan.

The vigilance inquiry has flagged off irregularities during the raids on Cordelia ship and during the arrest of suspects, including Aryan, sources said. The vigilance team also recorded the video statement of Shah Rukh's manager Pooja Dadlani to ascertain extortion allegations against Wankhede and his team, but found no evidence, said sources.

The team found serious irregularities in the investigations by Wankhede and his team then, which led to changes and reforms within the NCB to avoid future lapses, they said. According to sources, the vigilance team recorded the statement of at least 65 witnesses, including NCB officers. "Everyone was given fair opportunity to present themselves, and based on evidence, we have found various irregularities," said an officer.

Extortion allegations

After the Cordelia raids, former minister and NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik made a series of allegations against Wankhede and his team, alleging a bid to extort Shah Rukh Khan. At a press conference, Malik had produced evidence to support his claims. The vigilance team was formed to investigate the extortion allegation.

"I have no knowledge of any such thing [inquiry report]," Wankhede told mid-day.

With inputs from Diwakar Sharma

65
No. of witnesses who gave statement to vigilance team

The penalties as per the CCS Rules

Minor Penalties
. Censure
. Withholding of promotion
. Recovery from his pay of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused by officer to the government by negligence or breach of orders
. Reduction to lower stage in the time-scale of pay by one stage for a period not exceeding three years, without cumulative effect and not adversely affecting his pension
. Withholding of increments of pay

Major Penalties
. Reduction to a lower stage in the time-scale of pay for a specified period
. Reduction to lower time-scale of pay, grade, post or service for a period to be specified in the order of penalty
. Compulsory retirement
. Removal from service that shall not be a disqualification for future employment under the government
. Dismissal from service that shall ordinarily be a disqualification for future employment under the government