Antilia explosives case: No objection to Mane turning approver, says Waze

Dismissed police officer Sachin Waze has withdrawn his objection to co-accused Sunil Mane's plea to become an approver in the Antilia explosives scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case. Waze had previously objected to Mane's request. Mane's hearing will continue on May 9. The court also rejected Waze's pleas for home-cooked food and access to documents and statements gathered by the National Investigation Agency.

The dismissed police officer, Sachin Waze, on Wednesday took a U-turn and told the special NIA court that he had no objection to another dismissed officer and his co-accused Sunil Mane’s plea seeking to become an approver in the Antilia explosives scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case. In previous hearings, Waze had raised objection to Mane’s request.

Mumbai: Mumbai Cop Sachin Vaze after being produced by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a court following his arrest, in connection with a probe into the recovery of explosives from a car parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house, in Mumbai, Sunday, March 14, 2021. (PTI Photo/Mitesh Bhuvad)(PTI03_14_2021_000098B) (PTI)

Mane had moved a plea on February 17, saying, “After deeply thinking during my incarceration, I have realised my mistakes. Being a police officer, it was my duty to protect the life of citizens of the country. But unfortunately, and unknowingly, I have committed some mistakes.”

The court on Wednesday asked Waze to file a reply to Mane’s plea. He first asked for some time but later said he would submit the reply after the lunch break. Waze then gave in writing that he had no objection to Mane’s request to turn approver.

Hearing on Mane’s plea will continue on May 9.

Meanwhile, the special court rejected Waze’s plea for home-cooked food based on a report filed by the prison authority. “Upon perusal of a report by the jail authority, it is seen that the prison is providing a balanced diet and therefore, there is no necessity to allow him home-cooked food.”