A special NIA court in Mumbai frames charges against 10 accused, including dismissed police officers Sachin Waze and Sunil Mane, in connection with the Antilia bomb scare and the subsequent murder of Thane trader Mansukh Hiran. The court proceedings follow more than five years after an explosives-laden vehicle was found abandoned near Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia residence on Altamount Road.
According to the charges read out in court, the prosecution alleges the accused formed a terrorist gang and were part of a criminal conspiracy, with actions falling within offences under the Indian Penal Code, including murder, extortion-related allegations, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy. The court also includes anti-terror provisions, with charges invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) along with the Explosive Substances Act and related provisions cited across reports, including arms-related provisions.
All accused pleaded not guilty and opt to face trial. The court says there is a prosecution case made out for framing charges, and the trial is set to begin with the recording of witness testimonies. The background involves a car found on February 25, 2021 with gelatin sticks and a threat note, followed by Hiran’s death on March 5, 2021.