Both cases were indeed investigated by Sameer Wankhede. The inquiry against Wankhede stems from an anonymous complaint alleging irregularities in both investigations. Sushant Rajput's purported suicide at his Mumbai residence in June 2020 prompted the NCB to probe alleged drug usage within the film industry. Subsequently, the agency lodged an FIR against Rhea Chakraborty, Rajput's girlfriend, her brother Showik, and 33 others for purportedly possessing, consuming, and financing drugs.

 

Between November 2023 and March 2024, the NCB issued eight notices to Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Wankhede, instructing him to appear before Deputy Director General Sanjay Singh, who heads the preliminary investigation.

 

Wankhede had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court last week. In this case, the investigation and the notice issued to him were challenged. The petition claimed that he was being targeted and that the questioning was an 'act of retaliation'.

 

A bench headed by Justice Revati Mohite Dere on Monday directed the NCB to respond to the petition by April 10. The court said that until then, no action should be taken against Wankhede.