Sameer Wankhede is a well-known Indian civil servant born on December 14, 1979. He is an officer of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS) from the 2008 batch. As of now, he has worked in important roles such as the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). He became especially famous in 2021 because of his work on a high-profile drug case involving Aryan Khan, the son of Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan. This case brought him into the national spotlight on October 3, 2021.
Early Life And Education
Sameer Wankhede was born and raised in Mumbai, Maharashtra. His family belonged to a middle-class Mahar community. His father was a retired police officer, and his mother was named Zaheda Wankhede. Sameer completed his schooling in Maharashtra and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Ramnarain Ruia College in 2001. He also completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Mumbai University. During his student days, he developed interest in social issues, law, and governance.
Sameer Wankhede Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Net Worth, Religion, Wife
Career And Work
Sameer Wankhede joined the Indian Revenue Service in 2008 after clearing the UPSC civil services exam with an All India Rank of 561 in 2007. His first job was as Deputy Commissioner in the Air Intelligence Unit at Mumbai Airport. Here, he was responsible for checking customs violations and seizing illegal goods. He was known for strict enforcement, especially against tax evasion and smuggling.
In 2010, he made a big impact by booking 2,500 people, including many celebrities, for tax evasion in Maharashtra. He was successful in bringing around 87 crore rupees as revenue to the government.
Later in his career, Sameer was posted in several important units including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). In 2019, he became the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau in Mumbai.
Important Cases
Sameer Wankhede has been part of many important and challenging cases:
He helped book Islamic preacher Zakir Naik for alleged money laundering.
He played a major role in arresting Chinku Pathan, a criminal linked with the notorious underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
In 2013, he detained singer Mika Singh at Mumbai airport for not declaring goods worth over 9 lakh rupees.
In 2021, he led the investigation when Aryan Khan was arrested in a drug case on a cruise ship in Mumbai. This case gained massive media attention.
Because of his tough and fearless approach, Wankhede and his team often faced threats. For example, in November 2020, his team members were attacked by a mob during a drug raid.
Awards And Recognition
Sameer Wankhede has received several honors for his work in public service. These include the Maharashtra Sanman Award in 2012 and the Directorate General Disc in 2019. He was also honored with the Jamadar Bapu Laxman Lamkhade Award for outstanding contribution to public service.
Personal Life
Sameer Wankhede is married to Kranti Redkar, who is an actress, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. The couple got married on March 29, 2017. They have two daughters named Zyda and Ziya. His sister, Yasmeen Wankhede, is a criminal lawyer.
Despite facing controversy and allegations in connection with the high-profile drug cases, including claims of forged documents and bribery charges, Sameer has stood firm. In September 2023, a tribunal ruled in his favor after a legal battle.
Conclusion
Sameer Wankhede is a dedicated civil servant known for his strong fight against drug trafficking and corruption. From his early education in Mumbai to handling big law enforcement cases, he has shown determination and courage. Even when faced with dangers and controversies, he continues to serve the nation with honesty and commitment. His story inspires many young Indians who want to serve the country as civil servants and fight against crime and injustice.