Sameer Wankhede files defamation suit against Rakhi Sawant, advocate

MUMBAI: Former Mumbai zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau, Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation suit against Rakhi Sawant and Advocate, Ali Kaashif Khan. Khan had appeared for model Munmun Dhamecha in the Cordelia cruise drugs case. 

The crux of the issue goes back to when Khan, in 2023, made “defamatory” statements against Wankhede during an interview with a news channel. Further, the advocate posted offensive and baseless content against Wankhede on his social media handles as well.

Allegedly, Khan termed Wankhede as a “media obsessed person who targets celebrities”. Reportedly, Khan had stated, “He (Wankhede) lodges false cases and misuses section 29. This was the case of Rhea Chakraborty.” These remarks made against Wankhede are a deliberate lie, apart from being concocted and baseless, the application said while adding that he has had a blotless career throughout his life in government services.

“The plaintiff (Wankhede), an IRS officer, has immense respect in society and prestige in his department. He has a blot-less career,” the application said. “The plaintiff holds an eminent personality, being one of the most prestigious names in government services and is involved in several social services. The plaintiff holds a position of great responsibility and integrity within the department”, the suit states. 

The defamation suit also brought to light that popular celebrity Rakhi Sawant also reshared Khan’s post which caused further damage to the former officer’s reputation. 

“The defendants (Khan and Sawant) have spoken defamatory statement without verifying the veracity of the facts in hand. The sole intention of defendant number 1 (Khan) was to prejudice the mind of the public in an ongoing case in which case his client is an accused,” the suit said.

For these reasons, the Wankhede has sought Rs. ₹11.55 lakhs as compensation. This apart, Wankhede has also sought a restraining order against them for passing any statements, comments or remarks against him.