The Bombay High Court was informed by the Mumbai Police that they will file a closure report in the Atrocities Act case filed by Sameer Wankhede, former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director, against NCP leader Nawab Malik. The police cited a lack of evidence to support the allegations, leading to the decision to submit a "C-summary report" to the magistrate’s court.

What is a "C-summary report"?

A “C-summary report” is filed when the police conclude that the case lacks sufficient evidence to support the allegations, rendering the case neither true nor false. Once the report is submitted, the complainant may challenge it in court. The trial court will then decide whether to accept or reject the report after hearing all parties involved.

Background of the Case

Sameer Wankhede, who is now an Additional Commissioner in the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) and belongs to the Mahar Scheduled Caste, had filed a complaint against Nawab Malik under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 2022. Wankhede claimed that Malik launched a campaign to defame him after the arrest of Malik’s son-in-law, Sameer Khan, in a 2021 drug case. Wankhede alleged that Malik questioned his caste and the authenticity of his caste certificate on social media and in television interviews, causing him and his family mental distress and humiliation.

Wankhede, dissatisfied with the progress of the investigation, had approached the Bombay High Court in 2023, seeking the transfer of the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, in its ruling dated January 14, the court disposed of Wankhede’s petition, acknowledging the police's decision to file the closure report. The bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale clarified that Wankhede could pursue any further legal action if he wished. “We have not gone into the merits of the petitioner’s complaint nor the investigation carried out by the police, and all contentions of all parties are kept open,” the court stated.

Previous Developments

In December 2024, the High Court had directed the police to complete the investigation and bring it to its logical conclusion. The police had added two sections under the Atrocities Act—Section 3(1)(q) (providing false information to cause injury or annoyance) and Section 3(1)(r) (intentional insult or intimidation of a Scheduled Caste or Tribe member).

Despite the FIR being filed in August 2022, Malik has not been arrested in connection with the case. Wankhede’s lawyer, Rajiv Chavan, had pointed out this delay in his argument.