A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court, on Wednesday, allowed the agency an additional 60 days’ time to file the chargesheet in the Antilia security scare - Mansukh Hiran murder case, stating that the investigation is being carried out in many folds.
The court said that the offence is being investigated in various dimensions. Because of the complexity of the matter, it requires more time for thorough investigation. Special judge Prashant R Sitre said further that the tentacles of the investigation are deep rooted. Hence, it requires more time to search out each and every cause.
The court also extended the custody of Assistant Police Inspector (API) Sachin Vaze, constable Vinayak Shinde, API Riyazuddin Kazi and PI Sunil Mane (all now dismissed from service), alleged bookie Naresh Gor for the additional period of 60 days that it granted the NIA.
In a hearing that took place on Wednesday, Vaze’s advocate had opposed the grant of additional time to file the chargesheet. It was argued that the provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) are not applicable, as gelatin sticks cannot explode without a detonator. Hence, there is no threat to society to attract the provisions of UAPA.
In a Scorpio car found outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence on February 25, gelatin sticks and a threat letter had been found. On March 5, the body of auto parts dealer Mansukh Hiran, to whom the Scorpio was traced, was found in Thane creek.
On Monday, NIA had sought an additional 90 days to file the chargesheet. In its plea, it had said its probe was impeded by the statewide lockdown due to the second wave, due to which it could not examine witnesses, collect material evidence and file the chargesheet in the stipulated 90 days time. It also said that documents collected during the probe are voluminous, requiring more time. The five accused in a larger conspiracy with other persons had placed a threat letter along with gelatin sticks in a vehicle in order to threaten the Ambani family, the plea stated. It mentioned that, subsequently, another threat letter from Jaish ul Hind, demanding money, was received and that the involvement of Jaish ul Hind needs deeper probe regarding terrorist involvement.
