Sameer Wankhede Challenges Shah Rukh and Aryan Khan: 'Why Not Defend My Family from Trolls?'

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has ignited a fresh controversy, issuing a direct and impassioned challenge to Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his son, Aryan Khan. In a move that has sent ripples through both the entertainment industry and social media, Wankhede publicly questioned their silence on the relentless and vitriolic online trolling aimed at his wife, Kranti Redkar, and sister, Yasmeen Wankhede.

The pointed remarks come on the heels of a widely circulated social media post, celebrating Shah Rukh Khan as the 'Badshah of Bollywood.' Wankhede’s challenge implies a deep sense of betrayal and hypocrisy, asking why the Khans, who enjoy such immense public adoration and influence, have chosen to remain silent while his family endures a barrage of abuse, especially after their public 'celebrations.'

Wankhede, who famously led the investigation into the 2021 cruise ship drug case involving Aryan Khan, expressed profound distress over the ongoing harassment.

He revealed that his family has been subjected to continuous online abuse for over two years, a period mirroring the intense public scrutiny following the high-profile case. "My wife and sister have been relentlessly trolled and abused online. My sister has even filed police complaints, yet it persists," Wankhede stated, his words underscoring the severity and persistence of the cyberbullying.

He further elaborated on the emotional toll, questioning the moral compass of those who remain spectators.

"While one side celebrates, the other side watches in silence as my family is targeted. Is this fair? Why aren't they defending my family from this vicious trolling?" he challenged, implicitly calling for Shah Rukh and Aryan Khan to leverage their platform to condemn such behavior.

The background to this renewed friction is crucial.

Wankhede was initially at the forefront of the Aryan Khan drug case, which captivated national attention. However, he was later removed from the investigation following allegations of extortion and "irregularities" in his handling of the case, as highlighted by a vigilance inquiry report. Despite these findings, Wankhede has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting that he was merely performing his duty without malice or ulterior motives.

He has since been transferred to Chennai, a move widely seen as a consequence of the controversies surrounding the Aryan Khan case.

Wankhede's recent public statements suggest that the emotional scars from the ordeal, particularly the collateral damage inflicted upon his family through online harassment, run deep.

His appeal is not just a personal plea but a broader call for accountability and empathy in the digital age, especially from figures of significant public standing. The former officer’s defiant stance ensures that the echoes of the Aryan Khan drug case continue to reverberate, now with a renewed focus on the human cost of public battles and and the responsibility of public figures in addressing online abuse.