In October 2026, a new twist occurred in the case of the death of Sushant Singh Rajput’s former manager, Disha Salian. Disha Salian’s family lawyer, Advocate Nilesh Ojha, submitted new digital evidence and a pen drive to the CBI.
Advocate Nilesh Ojha claims that Disha Salian, Sushant Singh Rajput, and Aryan Khan’s drug cases are interconnected. According to his claims, statements and records from Pooja Dadlani and other relevant parties have been submitted to the CBI. The lawyer alleges that the Aryan Khan case and the bribery allegations against Wankhede were deliberately used as a diversion to derail the investigation into Disha Salian and Sushant Singh Rajput’s cases and protect some influential individuals. Let’s find out who Pooja Dadlani is and what is her connection to the star kid Aryan Khan and Disha Sushant case.
Pooja Dadlani is the personal manager of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. She has been working with Shah Rukh Khan since 2012 and oversees his personal and professional schedule, including his film projects, brand endorsements, IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and business deals.
As of October 2026, her role in various cases is as follows:
1. Role in the Aryan Khan case and Sameer Wankhede case: When Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan Khan was arrested in the 2021 Cordelia Cruise drugs case, Pooja Dadlani was the main person responsible for court proceedings and lawyer coordination on behalf of the Khan family. During the investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Mumbai Police, she was named as a key witness and alleged victim/transactor.
Allegations of extortion and deal: An independent witness, Prabhakar Sail (now deceased), and businessman Sam D’Souza alleged that the then NCB Zonal Director, Sameer Wankhede, demanded a bribe of ₹25 crore (approximately $2.5 million) for Aryan Khan’s release, which was later settled at ₹18 crore (approximately $1.8 million).
Statement of giving token money: According to the CBI FIR and the NCB vigilance report, Pooja Dadlani allegedly handed over a bag containing token money of ₹50 lakh (approximately $5 million) to middlemen (KP Gosavi and Sam D’Souza) to secure Aryan Khan’s release. However, this amount was later returned as the case remained unresolved.
Key Basis of the Case Against Sameer Wankhede: Pooja Dadlani’s testimony was considered a key basis and crucial link in the corruption and extortion case registered by the CBI against Sameer Wankhede and other officials. On the other hand, Sameer Wankhede has denied all these allegations and has challenged it in the Bombay High Court.