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Sachin Vaze's NIA custody till April 3, 'Made scapegoat', says suspended cop

As he is fully co-operating with the probe, Vaze said his custody should not be extended.

Updated on: Mar 25, 2021, 17:48:49 IST
By | Edited by , Hindustan Times, New Delhi
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Suspended Mumbai police officer Sachin Vaze, arrested in connection with the Antilia security scare case, will remain in the custody of the National Investigation Agency till April 3, the special NIA court ruled on Thursday.

Sachin Vaze. (File photo)
Sachin Vaze. (File photo)

Vaze was arrested by the probe agency after his connection to Thane-based business Mansukh Hiran and his sudden death came to the surface. The explosive-laden SUV which was found in front of Ambani house Antilia on February 25 belonged to Hiran, but was stolen a week before the incident. After he was found dead on March 5, Hiran's wife claimed that the car was with Vaze in November last year. She also claimed that Vaze was pressurising Hiran to get arrested in the case.

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On Thursday, as Vaze was produced before the court, he said he had been made a scapegoat in the entire episode. "I have been made a scapegoat in this entire incident and have nothing to do with the crime," he said.

"I was Investigating officer for one and half day and I did what required to investigate in the case and not only me, all crime branch officers and Mumbai police did," said Vaze before the court.

As he is fully co-operating with the probe, Vaze said his custody should not be extended.

Vaze told he wanted to share the details of what happened after he went to NIA as he was called for interrogation on March 13. The magistrate asked Vaze to speak with his lawyer and after his discussion with his lawyer Abad Ponda, Vaze said he would give to the court in writing.

Vaze was arrested by the NIA for his alleged role in the Antilia bomb scare under section 286, 465, 473, 506(2), 120 B of the Indian Penal Code, and 4(a)(b)(I) of the Explosive Substances Act 1908.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leader Devendra Fadnavis earlier said that Sachin Vaze case will not be over until the killer of Mansukh Hiran is revealed. Fadnavis also accused the Uddhav Thackeray-led government of trying to save Vaze.

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