Mumbai Police to file closure report in Sameer Wankhede’s complaint against Nawab Malik

The Mumbai Police informed the Bombay High Court that they will file a closure report in the case lodged by former NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede against NCP leader Nawab Malik under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The report cites a lack of evidence to proceed further.

Wankhede filed the complaint in 2022, alleging Malik made defamatory remarks about him and his family based on caste during media interactions and on social media. He claimed this was part of a campaign launched by Malik following the NCB's 2021 arrest of Malik’s son-in-law, Sameer Khan, in a narcotics case.

Police Investigation and Court Proceedings

Additional Public Prosecutor S S Kaushik informed the court on January 14 that the police have decided to submit a "C-summary report," which is filed when a case is found to lack evidence but is neither entirely false nor true.

In response, the court disposed of Wankhede’s petition seeking to transfer the case to the CBI, stating that nothing remains for consideration in light of the police's decision. However, the bench clarified that Wankhede is free to challenge the closure report in the appropriate legal forum.

“We have not examined the merits of the petitioner’s complaint or the police investigation, and all parties are free to pursue their contentions as per law,” the court stated.

Background of the Case

Wankhede, a member of the Mahar Scheduled Caste and an officer in the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), accused Malik of targeting his caste and questioning the authenticity of his caste certificate. Malik allegedly made defamatory remarks on television and social media, which Wankhede claimed caused harm and humiliation.

The police investigation, which was directed by the court in December 2024, included additional charges under the SC/ST Act related to false accusations and intentional insults.

Wankhede and Malik have been embroiled in a public feud since the arrest of Malik’s son-in-law, with the former alleging a smear campaign against him and his family.

The court’s order leaves Wankhede the option to take further legal steps while keeping the case open for review by the appropriate forum.