No Relief For Mumbai Police Officer Sachin Vaze, NIA Custody Till 25 March
Friyana Munshi
Mumbai, March 14, 2021: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday produced police officer Sachin Vaze in a court in connection with the investigation into finding an explosives-laden car outside the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Subsequently, the court has remanded Vaze to NIA custody till 25 March.
An officer said that Vaze was brought to a court in South Mumbai after undergoing a health check-up at a local hospital. An NIA spokesman said that the agency had arrested Vaze on Saturday night for alleged involvement in erecting an explosive-laden car outside Antilia, home of billionaire Mukesh Ambani near Carmicle Road, on February 25.
The NIA office in South Mumbai’s Kambala Hill issued summons to Vaze to record his statement at 11:30 am on Saturday. The spokesman said that after about 12 hours of interrogation by NIA officials, Vaze was arrested under sections of the Indian Penal Code and Explosive Substances Act.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed that Sachin Vaze is an honest, successful officer. He alleged that the Mumbai Police’s morale would be reduced by the NIA handling the case and instability in Maharashtra. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said, “Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze, who was arrested late on Saturday by the NIA, is an honest, successful officer and a good investigator.”
A Scorpio was found standing near the house of the industrialist Mukesh Ambani in South Mumbai on 25 February. A few sticks of gelatin and a threatening letter were found in this vehicle. Vaze is an encounter specialist. He is also facing charges in the murder case of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran. The Scorpio car belonged to Hiren. Hiren was found dead on March 5 in Thane district. Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is investigating the case of Hiren’s death. ATS filed a case against unknown people a few days after Hiren was found dead.