A special NIA court has formally framed charges against ten people, including former police officers Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma, in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case. The accused face serious charges of conspiracy, murder, and terrorism-related offenses under the UAPA and Explosive Substances Act.
A special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai has officially framed charges against ten individuals in the high-profile 2021 Antilia bomb scare and the subsequent death of businessman Mansukh Hiran. This legal milestone moves the case into the trial stage, where the accused will face proceedings for murder, extortion, criminal conspiracy, and violations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act.
The Conspiracy Allegations
The prosecution claims that between February and March 2021, the accused operated as a organized group to conduct terror-related activities. On February 25, 2021, an SUV containing explosives was found abandoned near Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Following the discovery, Mansukh Hiran, the businessman who had previously reported the vehicle stolen, was found dead. The NIA argues that the explosives plot was designed to terrorize high-profile individuals as part of an extortion scheme.
Roles of Former Officers
Former police officers Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma are central to the NIA investigation. The agency alleges that Waze orchestrated the criminal conspiracy to regain his reputation as a high-performing officer while simultaneously pursuing an extortion agenda. Mansukh Hiran was allegedly identified as a liability who refused to cooperate, leading to the conspiracy to eliminate him. Pradeep Sharma, a former encounter specialist, is accused of facilitating the abduction and murder of Hiran, including the procurement of burner phones and the planning of the disposal of Hiran’s body.
Legal Standing and Next Steps
The court’s decision to frame charges confirms that there is sufficient prima facie evidence for the trial to proceed. The NIA investigation further highlights that the accused used sophisticated methods to evade capture, such as utilizing unregistered SIM cards and fabricating official police records to create alibis. While several of the accused, including Pradeep Sharma, are currently out on bail, Sachin Waze and five others remain in judicial custody. The case will now focus on the presentation of evidence and testimony before the special court to determine the culpability of each individual involved.