Maharashtra Elections 2024: Sameer Wankhede, Who Arrested Aryan Khan, May Contest from Dharavi
Sameer Wankhede, the controversial former NCB director, may contest the Maharashtra assembly elections from Dharavi on the Shiv Sena ticket. Voting for the 288 seats will be held on November 20, with results declared on November 23.
Maharashtra ElectionsSameer WankhedeDharaviShiv SenaAryan KhanReal Estate MaharashtraOct 17, 2024
Voting for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra will take place in a single phase on November 20, and the results will be declared on November 23. The elections are a significant political event, with various parties finalizing their candidates and strategies.
Wankhede's political aspirations come after a series of high-profile incidents, including the raid on the Cordelia cruise ship in October 2021. During this raid, superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, was arrested on charges of drug use and possession. Aryan was in jail for around a month before being released on bail. Charges against Aryan were later dropped, and Wankhede was removed from the case amid accusations of blackmail. He was subsequently transferred to Chennai.
In May last year, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case of corruption against Wankhede. He was charged with corruption for allegedly demanding a bribe of around Rs 25 crore from Khan. Wankhede vehemently denies these allegations. Others named in the FIR include former NCB SP Vishwa Vijay Singh, ex-intelligence officer of NCB Ashish Ranjan, Sanville D'Souza, and the alleged witness Kiran Gosavi.
The CBI registered the case after the NCB conducted an internal vigilance probe against Wankhede and others and shared the findings with the central agency. NCP national spokesperson Nawab Malik also accused Wankhede of various offenses, including extortion. They were booked under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 388 (threat of extortion) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Four months later, Wankhede was cleared of bribery charges related to Aryan Khan, just ahead of the release of Shah Rukh Khan's blockbuster film, Jawan.
Despite the controversies, Wankhede's entry into the political arena is drawing significant attention. His potential role in the Dharavi constituency, a crucial battleground, could have a substantial impact on the election dynamics.
The Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is one of the key players in the Maharashtra political landscape. The party has been involved in various political alliances and is preparing for a strong showing in the upcoming elections. Wankhede's participation could bolster the party's campaign, given his controversial but high-profile status.
The election in Maharashtra is expected to be closely contested, with multiple parties vying for power. The outcome will have significant implications for the state's governance and development agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sameer Wankhede?
Sameer Wankhede is a controversial IRS officer and former director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). He gained national attention for his role in the Aryan Khan drug case in 2021.
What is the significance of the Dharavi constituency?
Dharavi is a crucial battleground in the Maharashtra assembly elections due to its large population and strategic importance. It is often a deciding factor in the election outcomes.
When will the Maharashtra assembly elections be held?
Voting for the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra will take place on November 20, and the results will be declared on November 23, 2024.
What is the role of the NCB in the Aryan Khan case?
The NCB conducted the raid on the Cordelia cruise ship, leading to the arrest of Aryan Khan. Wankhede, the former NCB director, was removed from the case and later transferred to Chennai amid accusations of blackmail.
How did the CBI get involved in the Aryan Khan case?
The CBI registered a corruption case against Wankhede and others after the NCB conducted an internal vigilance probe and shared the findings with the central agency.
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