Antilia Case: Bombay HC Cancels Bail for Former Cop Sachin Waze
The Bombay High Court has set aside the bail granted to former cop Sachin Waze in the Antilia explosives scare case following an NIA appeal.
In a significant legal blow to the former Mumbai police officer, the Bombay High Court has set aside the bail previously granted to Sachin Waze. Waze remains the central figure in the high-profile Antilia explosives scare case, which sent shockwaves through the city when a vehicle loaded with explosives was discovered near the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
The Court's Decision
The High Court ruled in favor of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), allowing Criminal Appeal No. 850/2026. By doing so, the court overturned the order issued by the NIA Special Court on September 29, 2026, which had granted Waze bail. The NIA had acted swiftly, challenging the bail order on the very day it was issued and securing a stay on its operation by September 30, 2026.
Tracing Back to the Antilia Scare
The roots of this case go back to February 25, 2021, when a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle, bearing a forged number plate (MH-01-DK-9945), was found parked near Antilia. Upon inspection, the vehicle was found to be carrying gelatin sticks, sparking a massive security alarm.
The plot thickened on March 5, 2021, when the body of Mansukh Hiren, a business owner linked to the Scorpio vehicle, was discovered in Mumbra Creek. While the case was initially handled by local authorities, the gravity of the situation led to it being handed over to the NIA in March 2021 for a more comprehensive investigation.
Severe Charges and Legal Battles
The NIA has charged Sachin Waze, former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma, and several other individuals with a conspiracy that spans multiple serious crimes. The charges include:
- Criminal Conspiracy and Murder under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
- Destruction of Evidence.
- Violations of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.
- Violations of the Arms Act, 1959.
- Charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
The Argument for Bail
Sachin Waze, who has been in custody since March 13, 2021, had sought bail primarily on the grounds of delay. His legal team argued that charges were framed nearly five years after the filing of the charge-sheet. However, the NIA highlighted that the investigation is still incomplete, and the first Supplementary Charge-sheet was only filed on May 29, 2026.
With the High Court setting aside the bail, Waze remains behind bars as the investigation into the explosives plot and the death of Mansukh Hiren continues.