Sachin Waze Planted Antilia SUV To Rebuild Image, NIA Tells Bombay HC

The National Investigation Agency told the Bombay High Court on Wednesday that dismissed police officer Sachin Waze had staged the 2021 Antilia bomb scare to salvage his reputation and position himself as a "super cop" by taking charge of the investigation.

The NIA alleged Waze planted an explosives-laden SUV outside an industrialist's residence and ensured he was assigned to probe the case. It also claimed he killed businessman Mansukh Hiran, the vehicle's owner, fearing Hiran could expose the conspiracy. A High Court bench extended an interim stay on bail granted to Waze by a special court, after the NIA challenged the September 29 bail order in both the bomb scare and Hiran murder case.

The NIA argued the special court's bail decision was "completely misplaced on both facts and law" and said the agency had recorded statements from security personnel.