Friday, March 29, 2024

NIA arrests cop Sachin Vaze; has “confessed” his role in Antilia Bomb Scare case





The Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia Bomb Scare took a sharp turn late on Saturday when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested controversial cop Sachin Vaze, better known as “encounter” specialist. 

The Maharashtra assistant police inspector was arrested at 11.50 p.m on Saturday after being subjected to intense interrogation which lasted a dozen hours. 

“Sachin Vaze arrested at 2350 hrs in NIA Case RC/1/2021/NIA/MUM,” the NIA spokesperson said.

Sachin Vaze had earlier come to national attention after he arrested Republic TV chief Arnab Goswami almost having him dragged out of his residence in Mumbai. 

Vaze is to be presented before the court on Sunday. 

A top official was quoted by the Hindustan Times saying Vaze has “confessed” of his role in a group which planted an explosive-laden Scorpio on Carmichael Road (near Antilia) on February 25. 

The Scorpio found parked near Ambani’s house on Carmichael Road on February 25 contained some gelatin sticks and a threat letter.

Vaze has also been facing heat in the murder case of Thane-based businessman Mansukh Hiren who was in possession of this Scorpio. Hiren was found dead in a creek in Thane district on March 5.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is investigating the Hiren murder case. It had registered an FIR against unidentified persons days after Hiren’s body was found.

Vaze has been arrested under Sections 286 (Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance), 465 (Punishment for forgery), 473 (Making or possessing counterfeit seal), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of Indian Penal Code and 4(a)(b)(I)(attempt to cause an explosion) of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

Vaze reached the agency’s office at Cumballa Hill in south Mumbai around 11.30 am to record his statement.

While recording Vaze’s statement on Saturday, the NIA called crime branch officers to share information about the investigation done so far in the recovery of the SUV and alleged murder of Hiren.

Vaze, accused by Hiren’s wife of involvement in her husband’s suspicious death, was shunted out of the Mumbai crime branch earlier this week.

Earlier, Vaze’s anticipatory bail plea had been rejected by the Sessions Court in Thane. Vaze, thereafter, had put out a message, hinting at his death. “Time to say goodbye to the world,” were his words. 

Vaze was said to be in touch with Hiren for more than six months. Hiren was subsequently found dead in the Kalwa creek. 

The Maharashtra ATS has already interrogated and recorded Vaze on the matter. 

Vaze had earlier been suspended in a different case, a custodial death, after which he had joined the Shiv Sena. Only recently he has been reinstated by the Uddhav Thackeray government. 

 


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