Former Mumbai Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Sameer Wankhede, has addressed the defamation lawsuit he filed against Netflix and Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment over the web series ‘Ba*ds of Bollywood’. Speaking about the case, Wankhede clarified that his legal action was taken in a personal capacity, emphasizing that it is a matter of “self-respect and personal dignity.”
Wankhede told reporters that while satire and parody have a place in creative expression, mocking real professionals who fight issues like drug abuse is unjust. “By portraying such things, they’re not just insulting me but all those who work to combat drug abuse,” he said.
He further revealed that his family has been receiving threatening and hateful messages from abroad. “Hate messages are coming from Pakistan, the UAE, and Bangladesh… My wife and sister are being targeted. We’ve informed the police about these threats,” he added.
Expressing confidence in India’s legal system, Wankhede stated, “I trust our judiciary, Constitution, and institutions. Everything I have done has been by the rule book. This isn’t about publicity it’s about dignity. No self-respecting man would stay silent against such hate.”
On October 8, the Delhi High Court issued summons to Red Chillies Entertainment and others in response to the civil defamation suit. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav directed the respondents to file replies within seven days, followed by a rejoinder from the petitioner within three days. The case is scheduled for hearing on October 30.
The court, however, denied interim relief to Wankhede. In his petition, he sought a permanent injunction, a declaration, and damages from the production house and Netflix, claiming the show portrays him and anti-drug enforcement agencies in a false and defamatory manner. According to the plea, the series was deliberately designed to tarnish his image, particularly while judicial proceedings involving him and actor Aryan Khan are still underway before the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court.
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