Almost a month old, the Aryan Khan drug scandal is slowly and steadily becoming one of the longest ongoing sagas, with a new twist in the tale almost every day. Things took a surprising new turn just recently when NCB's leading official Sameer Wankhede was accused of trying to extort money from SRK for the release of his son, who has been locked up in Arthur Road Jail since October 7.

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So far, there has been no confirmation with court proceedings underway in the case after Aryan's bail application was denied yet again. This means that Shah Rukh's eldest stays in jail until the time his bail is accepted and he is reunited with his family. Now, his best friend Arbaaz Merchant, who too was arrested alongside Aryan in the October 2 NCB bust on the Goa-bound cruise ship off Mumbai's coast, has expressed his worries over Aryan's safety.

© Instagram/Aryan Khan

Arbaaz, who along with Munmun Dhamecha and others were arrested for possessing drugs on the ship, recently met his father Aslam Merchant. Now, Aslam while speaking to ETimes, spoke on how Arbaaz, despite being locked up himself has been wary of best friend Aryan's health and treatment.

“Innocent kids should not be punished even before trial. As I was leaving, Arbaaz told me, ‘Dad, I will not leave Aryan alone in jail and no harm should be caused to Aryan. We all have come in together here and will leave together from here.' I was so touched by those words; for him friendship is supreme,” said Aslam.

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Arbaaz's father also expressed concern over his son's deteriorating health, as the teen has lost a lot of weight during his time in jail.

“I met him today morning to get details for the bail hearing that is going to take place in the afternoon. I am worried about my son’s health and well-being. He has lost 7 kg in one month. The food he is getting in jail is not good and he already is suffering from anxiety.” he said.

He also mentioned how he has been helpless in the whole ordeal as despite wanting to hug his son, he just couldn't.

“Arbaaz (Merchant) wanted to hug me but couldn’t, and it made me very emotional and helpless. I am a father who is unable to even embrace his son who needs a tight reassuring hug,” said Aslam.

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