Narcotics Control Bureau Deputy Director-General Gyaneshwar Singh on Wednesday, 27 October, said that Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede, who is spearheading the drugs-on-cruise case, involving Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, will remain the investigating officer in the case until substantial information was found against him, reported ANI.
"He put forward many facts before the team. If necessary, more evidence and documents will be sought from him and he'll be questioned further. He submitted case-related documents that were sought," Gyaneshwar Singh said in Mumbai, adding that the NCB recorded Wankhede's statements for four hours.
The anti-drugs agency had ordered a vigilance inquiry after bribery allegations were made by a witness, Prabhakar Sail, in the NCB case against Aryan Khan.
Sail alleged in an affidavit that Wankhede asked him to sign as panch witness of the drugs case and further claimed that his signature was taken on 10 blank papers. Sail also alleged that he overheard discussions of a Rs 18 crore deal between KP Gosavi and one Sam D'Souza.
"Through media, I request them (KV Gosavi and Prabhakar Sail who are witnesses in the drugs-on-cruise case) to join the investigation and give evidence before the special enquiry team that is camping at CRPF mess in Bandra, Mumbai," Gyaneshwar Singh said.
Earlier, a five-member team from the vigilance section of the NCB visited Mumbai on Wednesday to probe bribery allegations against Wankhede.
"A 5-member enquiry team of NCB today started investigation into allegations levelled by Prabhakar Sail through an affidavit. We requested Southwest region office to get notice served to key witnesses KV Gosavi and Sail but they couldn't be contacted," Singh further said.
The Mumbai Police also appointed ACP-level officer Milind Khetle, to investigate allegations levelled against Wankhede.
So far, four police stations in Mumbai have received complaints against Wankhede, which have been clubbed and will be probed by the officer, news agency ANI had reported.
However, though the complaint had been received, the Mumbai Police had not yet registered a case.
(With inputs from ANI.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)