The Bombay High Court has rejected a plea filed by former Mumbai police officer Pradeep Sharma seeking discharge from the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case.
A bench led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne dismissed Sharma’s appeal against a previous order of a special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had also refused to discharge him.
Court’s Observation
The High Court said the special court’s order was well-reasoned and found no grounds to interfere with it at this stage. As a result, Sharma will continue to face trial in the case.
Background of the Case
The case stems from the February 2021 explosives scare near Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.
An SUV containing gelatin sticks was found parked near the residence, triggering a major security scare.
The vehicle was linked to businessman Mansukh Hiran, whose body was later found in a creek in Thane in March 2021. Investigators allege that the explosives incident and Hiran’s death were part of a larger criminal conspiracy.
Allegations and Trial
According to the NIA, Sharma and former Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze were among those involved in the conspiracy.
Sharma had argued that he was falsely implicated and that there was insufficient evidence against him. However, the courts held that there is prima facie material against him, meaning the trial must proceed.
Current Status
Sharma was arrested in June 2021 during the NIA investigation. Although he later received bail from the Supreme Court of India in 2023, the criminal proceedings against him are still ongoing.
Also Read: MNS Membership Drive to Begin on March 10 After Party’s 20th Anniversary
Share
Tweet
