The Bombay High Court has upheld a stay on the bail order for former police officer Sachin Waze in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare case. Judges have questioned the significant gap between his official salary and his use of luxury vehicles and five-star accommodation, as the National Investigation Agency maintains that he remains a flight risk.
The Bombay High Court is currently reviewing the bail granted to former police officer Sachin Waze, who is central to the ongoing investigation into the 2021 security threat at Antilia and the death of Mansukh Hiran. A special NIA court had initially granted bail to the former Assistant Police Inspector on September 29, 2026, but this order is currently suspended following a stay by the High Court. Consequently, Waze remains in custody at Thane Central Jail.
During recent proceedings, a bench comprising Justices Girish Kulkarni and Neela Gokhale raised significant questions regarding the former officer's financial history and lifestyle. The court scrutinized how an individual drawing a monthly salary of approximately ₹90,000 could justify the frequent use of high-end luxury vehicles and a prolonged stay at the Oberoi Hotel. These judicial inquiries are part of a broader examination into whether these expenditures align with official earnings or are tied to the alleged extortion activities detailed in the case against him.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has strongly opposed the bail, presenting arguments that Waze poses a substantial flight risk. The agency contends that his release could jeopardize the trial, particularly concerning witness intimidation and the preservation of critical evidence. The investigation involves serious charges, including conspiracy to plant explosives and potential links to terror-related offenses under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, known as UAPA.
While the defense has argued for release based on legal grounds, the High Court’s current focus remains on the integrity of the evidence and the implications of the former officer's conduct. The prosecution has emphasized its readiness to proceed with the trial, which involves testimony from nearly 150 witnesses. The High Court has maintained the stay on the bail order, meaning Waze will not be released pending the outcome of the next set of hearings.
The case is scheduled to resume on October 14, 2026. At that time, the court is expected to further examine the NIA's challenge against the lower court's bail decision, which will determine if the stay continues or if there is a change in the legal status of the accused.