Sameer Wankhede, an IRS officer and former zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), has filed a lawsuit against Red Chillies Entertainment, Netflix, and others, alleging defamatory content related to the series “Ba***ds of Bollywood,” which features Aryan Khan. The lawsuit, submitted on a Thursday, seeks ₹2 crore in damages and aims to halt the streaming and distribution of the series while officially declaring it defamatory.
Wankhede claims the series presents a “false, malicious, and defamatory” portrayal of him, asserting that it undermines public confidence in law enforcement agencies involved in anti-drug enforcement. His attorney indicated that the series disseminates misleading narratives about these institutions, potentially harming their credibility.
One of the specific allegations involves a scene where a character reportedly makes an obscene gesture while reciting “Satyamev Jayate,” a phrase from India’s national emblem. Wankhede argues this violates the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971. Additionally, the complaint points to potential violations of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for content considered offensive and harmful to national sentiments.
Wankhede is seeking ₹2 crore in damages, which he has pledged to donate to the Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital for the treatment of cancer patients.