Wankhede is a civil servant who works as an officer in the Indian Revenue Service (Custom & Indirect Taxes). He was born on 14 December 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]
Sameer Wankhede belongs to Mahar (Dalit) community.[10]
Career
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.[11][12][13][14] During his 15-year career he has been credited with seizure of 17,000 kg narcotics and 165 kg gold.[15][dubious – discuss]
Zakir Naik case
Wankhede played a crucial role in booking Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for alleged money laundering and incitement of religious hatred.[16][17]
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 Wankhede and the arrest took place as part of an operation conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).[18]
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.[19] Singh was detained by the customs' Air Intelligence Unit headed by Wankhede. Two liquor bottles, sunglasses and perfumes were found in Mika's bag.[20]
Aryan Khan case and corruption allegations
Wankhede led the Cordelia case[21] 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.[22] He was transferred to Chennai.[23]
On 8 September, Wankhede was cleared of bribery charges related to Aryan Khan.[24] In May 2023, he was charged with corruption for allegedly demanding a 250 million rupee bribe from Khan. Wankhede denies the claims.[25]
The national spokesman of the Nationalist Congress Party, Nawab Malik, accused Wankhede of various offences, including extortion.[25] 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.[26]
South Mumbai drug laboratory case
Wankhede's investigation led the authorities to the clandestine drug laboratory operating in South Mumbai.[27] 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.[28]
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 fined Rs 12,000 for not declaring imported valuables worth Rs 6 million. She had allegedly not declared footwear, designer sunglasses and handbags.[29]
Personal life
He is married to Marathi actress Kranti Redkar.[4][30] From his first marriage with Dr. Shabana Qureshi, he has a son, and from his second marriage, two daughters.[3][31]
