Full Breakdown
Bail Granted to Former Mumbai Officer Sachin Waze in Antilia Bomb-Scare Case
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Court Grants Bail Amid Terrorism-Charge Dispute
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai released former police officer Sachin Waze on personal bail of INR1 lakh with an equal surety. Special Sessions Judge Chakor S Baviskar held that the prosecution had not shown the Ambani family was “terrorised” and that the material on record did not satisfy the definition of a terrorist act under Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Consequently, the stringent bail restrictions applicable to UAPA offences were deemed inapplicable.
Background & Context
In February 2021, a Mahindra Scorpio owned by auto-parts dealer Mansukh Hiran was reported stolen. The same vehicle was later found on 25 February 2021 parked outside Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia residence, containing 20 gelatin sticks and a threatening note, prompting a second FIR. Hiran disappeared on 4 March 2021; his body was recovered the next day, leading to a third FIR. The central government transferred the three FIRs to the NIA, which arrested Waze on 13 March 2021. The prosecution alleged that Waze conspired to plant explosives-laden vehicles to extort wealthy individuals and hired former encounter specialist Pradip Sharma to eliminate Hiran after the latter refused to assume blame.
Timeline
- 18 Feb 2021 – First FIR after Hiran reported his vehicle stolen.
- 25 Feb 2021 – Explosives-laden SUV found near Antilia; second FIR lodged.
- 4 Mar 2021 – Hiran went missing.
- 5 Mar 2021 – Hiran’s body recovered from a Thane creek.
- 7 Mar 2021 – Third FIR filed following a complaint by Hiran’s wife, Vimala Hiran.
- 13 Mar 2021 – NIA arrested Sachin Waze.
- 29 Sep – Judge Baviskar issued the bail order, questioning the applicability of UAPA charges.
Data & Statistics
- Explosives: 20 gelatin sticks, none equipped with detonators.
- Bail: Personal bond of INR1 lakh plus a surety of the same amount.
- Geographic restrictions: Waze barred from entering Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts except for court appearances.
- Legal filings: Three FIRs (Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 7) and charges under UAPA and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder (Section 302).
- Co-accused: Pradip Sharma and Sunil Mane, previously granted bail.
Official Statements & Responses
The judge highlighted that the gelatin sticks lacked detonators, rendering them incapable of causing an explosion and therefore insufficient to meet the “means” requirement for a terrorist act under UAPA.
Special Public Prosecutor Sunil Gonsalves maintained that Waze intended to “strike terror” in the minds of the Ambanis and that the plot was part of a broader criminal conspiracy.
The NIA opposed bail, arguing that Waze was the principal accused, that his release could facilitate witness intimidation, evidence tampering, and flight risk. The agency asserted that the prosecution’s case was prima facie true and that stringent bail restrictions were warranted.
Criticism & Opposition
The NIA’s opposition centered on three points: (1) the risk that Waze might flee despite the bond, (2) potential intimidation of material witnesses, and the possibility of tampering with evidence already collected. The agency contended that these concerns justified denial of bail under UAPA provisions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There is literaly no iota of material to show any demand of money by this applicant/accused Sachin (A/1) to the Ambanis. Not a whit.” — Special Judge Baviskar
- “Criteria for bail and for framing of charge, thus may be similar at certain extent, but certainly they are not exactly the same,” — Special Judge Baviskar