NIA Court refuses to discharge Sachin Waze in Antilia bomb scare case

A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai has rejected former police officer Sachin Waze's plea seeking discharge in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case. The court ruled that there is sufficient material on record to proceed with the trial and frame charges against Waze.

Special Judge Chakor S. Baviskar observed that, at the stage of framing charges, the court is not required to conduct a detailed examination of the evidence. The judge held that the prosecution had presented enough prima facie material to continue the case. The order paves the way for formal charges to be framed against Waze and the other accused.

The case dates back to February 2021, when an explosives-laden SUV was found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence, Antilia, in Mumbai. Days later, businessman Mansukh Hiran, who was linked to the vehicle, was found dead. The NIA alleged that Waze played a central role in the conspiracy, leading to his arrest in March 2021. The trial is expected to move forward after the framing of charges.