Shahrukh Khan's son Aryan Khan explains to court events leading to his arrest in drug case

A Mumbai court on Thursday sent Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan, to judicial custody for 14 days. The court rejected the plea by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seeking extension of police custody of Khan.

During the hearing of the matter on Thursday, Khan's lawyer, advocate Satish Maneshinde while putting forth his arguments, narrated Khan’s version of the events as it unfolded on the night of the raid and subsequent arrest on October 2.

According to Maneshinde, Khan went to attend the party after his friend Prateek introduced him to someone who was in touch with the organisers. Khan was invited as a VVIP guest.

“I have a friend, Prateek, who introduced me to someone who was in touch with the organizers. He said I will be invited as VVIP. Only with that intention to add glamour to the cruise, I went. There were 1,300 people and they have arrested only 17," Maneshinde submitted.

The details of mobile chat between Prateek and Khan would bring out these facts, it was submitted.

Prateek is also a friend of another co-accused Arbaaz Merchant, who was also invited to the party.

Based on the invitation, Khan reached the international terminal of Mumbai port when the NCB officials confronted him.

“I reached the gate at the terminal where Arbaaz was also there. Before we could go to the ship, NCB asked us questions. When we started for the ship, they asked questions if I took drugs and searched my bags and my person. They found nothing," said Maneshinde.

Khan's mobile was then confiscated and he was taken to the NCB office where he was interrogated and placed under arrest.

"I have no connection to any of the organizers. I do not deny my friendship with Arbaaz but I am not connected with his activities. He himself says he came on his own," it was argued.

The NCB in its rebuttal did not get into these aspects. It also did not delve much into the recoveries made from Khan.

Instead, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh chose to focus on two aspects:

One, the necessity to confront Aryan Khan with some persons arrested recently and also persons who might be arrested in future raids.

Two, the knowledge of Aryan Khan as regards other people who may be involved in the drug racket.

“Recovery is not what is important but it is the knowledge that counts,” it was submitted.