Antilia Case: Bombay HC Stays Sachin Waze's Bail
Bombay High Court has temporarily stayed the bail granted to Sachin Waze in the Antilia bomb scare case after an NIA challenge.
In a significant legal development regarding the 2021 Antilia bomb scare investigation, the Bombay High Court has temporarily stayed the bail order previously granted to dismissed police officer Sachin Waze. This judicial intervention comes after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) moved the High Court to challenge the decision made by a sessions court.
NIA Challenges Sessions Court Decision
The legal battle intensified on Wednesday when the High Court decided to put a hold on Waze's release following the NIA's formal challenge. The agency had contested the sessions court's earlier ruling that had allowed the former officer to secure bail. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 7 to further deliberate on the matter.
Sachin Waze remains a central figure in two major criminal investigations:
- The Antilia Bomb Scare: Allegations involve the placement of an explosive-laden vehicle near the residence of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on February 25, 2021.
- The Mansukh Hiran Murder Case: Waze is also an accused in the high-profile murder investigation involving businessman Mansukh Hiran.
The NIA had originally arrested Waze in March 2021 during the intensive investigation into the recovery of explosives from the SUV parked near the Ambani residence.
Political Fallout: Anil Deshmukh's Allegations
While the legal proceedings continue, the case has triggered fresh political friction in Maharashtra. Former Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has leveled serious accusations against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the nature of the investigations.
Deshmukh claimed that the accusations previously made against him by both Sachin Waze and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh were orchestrated at the behest of Fadnavis. Addressing the media, Deshmukh noted:
"The allegations made against me yesterday by Sachin Waze were also levelled by him and Param Bir Singh three years ago, at the behest of Devendra Fadnavis."
Deshmukh further highlighted that when similar allegations were brought forward in the past, he had requested a formal inquiry. He pointed out that a subsequent investigation conducted by Justice Chandiwal had cleared him of any wrongdoing.
As the NIA continues its probe into the explosives-laden SUV incident, the upcoming hearing on October 7 will be crucial in determining the legal status of Sachin Waze.