Mumbai Ex-NCB Chief Sues Netflix Over 'Defamatory' Series

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-12 11:43:58 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-19 00:14:19

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Mumbai Ex-NCB Chief Sues Netflix Over 'Defamatory' Series

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer Sameer Wankhede has taken a bold step in filing a defamation lawsuit against Netflix and Red Chillies Entertainment, a production company owned by Bollywood royalty Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri Khan. The lawsuit centres around the recently released web series 'Ba**ds of Bollywood', which Wankhede claims portrays him and his profession in a negative light.

Wankhede, the ex-zonal director of NCB Mumbai, asserts that the series has led to personal attacks and hate messages targeting his family. "This is a matter of self-respect, personal dignity, and honour," he stated, emphasizing that his legal action is driven by personal reasons rather than professional ones. He believes the show unfairly maligns him, especially while his case with Aryan Khan, Shah Rukh Khan's son, is still pending in the Bombay High Court and the NDPS Special Court in Mumbai.

The ex-NCB chief also criticized the show's portrayal of anti-drug officials, arguing that it undermines public confidence in law enforcement agencies. He said, "Whatever satire or parody you create, do it with your own people or profession. By highlighting such things, you're insulting not just me but also those who fight against drug abuse." Wankhede's plea seeks a permanent injunction, a declaration, and damages, alleging that the series was intentionally designed to tarnish his reputation.

The Delhi High Court has issued a summons to the defendants, with the matter listed for hearing on October 30. Wankhede's lawsuit raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the potential consequences for those depicted in such productions. As the case unfolds, it will be a test of the Indian legal system's ability to balance freedom of expression with personal rights and the reputation of public servants.