Full Breakdown
Bombay High Court Scrutinizes Ex-Police Officer Sachin Waze’s Lifestyle Amid Bail Challenge
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Core Event: Court Questions Luxury Cars and Extended Hotel Stay While Hearing NIA’s Bail Appeal
The Bombay High Court on October 8, 2026 examined how former assistant police inspector Sachin Waze could afford a fleet of high-end vehicles and a 100-day reservation at Mumbai’s Oberoi hotel while he remains incarcerated in Thane Central Jail. The hearing is part of the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) appeal against a special court’s September 29 order granting Waze bail in the 2021 Antilia bomb-scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case.
Background & Context
On February 25, 2021 an SUV laden with 20 gelatin sticks and a threatening note was discovered outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence, Antilia. The vehicle had previously been in the possession of auto-parts dealer Mansukh Hiran, whose body was later found in a Thane creek. Waze was arrested by the NIA on March 13, 2021 and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged terrorism, extortion and murder. The special NIA court granted bail on September 29, noting the agency had not established a prima facie terrorism case. The High Court stayed that order on September 30 and continues to assess the bail plea.
Timeline
- February 18, 2021 – FIR filed after Hiran reported his Mahindra Scorpio stolen.
- February 25, 2021 – Explosives-laden SUV found near Antilia.
- March 5, 2021 – Hiran’s body discovered.
- March 13, 2021 – Waze arrested.
- September 29 – Special court grants bail.
- September 30 – High Court stays bail.
- October 8, 2026 – Hearing focuses on Waze’s lifestyle.
- October 14 (scheduled) – Next hearing on the bail appeal.
Data & Statistics
- Salary: API monthly salary INR90,000.
- Vehicles: Witnesses list five luxury cars – two Mercedes, a BMW, a Volvo, and a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.
- Hotel stay: Alleged 100-day Oberoi reservation.
- Custody: Over five years in detention.
- Witnesses: NIA to examine around 150 of the 300 slated for trial.
Official Statements & Responses
Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh (representing the NIA) argued that the luxury vehicles and prolonged hotel booking are linked to an extortion scheme aimed at extracting ransom and positioning Waze as a “super cop.” He warned that no bail condition would be stringent enough to prevent tampering with evidence or witnesses.
The bench, Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale, queried how an API could afford such a lifestyle and asked the NIA to explain the source of the explosive materials.
Criticism & Opposition
The agency maintains that parking an explosives-laden vehicle near a high-profile residence and issuing a threat note satisfies the statutory definition of an act likely to strike terror.
Verbatim Quotes
- “How has he managed to stay or have a room booked at the Oberoi hotel for 100 days? Is all this possible with the salary of an API? How much does an API rank officer earn per month,” — Justice Kulkarni
- “He was suspended earlier. He wanted to create terror for two reasons—extort ransom money and subsequently resolve the situation to emerge as a ‘super cop’ within the agency,” — Solicitor General Anil Singh
What’s Next
The High Court has extended its interim stay on the bail order until October 14, when it will resume hearing the NIA’s appeal. The outcome will determine whether Waze remains in custody pending trial on terrorism, extortion and murder charges.