Ambani security scare: NIA searches hotel in Mumbai
The NIA conducted searches at a hotel in south Mumbai on Thursday in connection with its probe into the case of an explosives-laden SUV found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence and the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiren, an official said. A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) reached the hotel located in the Soni building near Mumbai's Babulnath temple around 12:45 pm.
Customers and hotel staff were asked to vacate the premises
"Customers and hotel staff members were asked to vacate the premises," the official said, adding that the searches are still on. "Suspended Mumbai police officer Sachin Waze, whom the NIA arrested last month in connection with the security scare outside Ambani's residence, was recently brought by the probe agency to the Babulnath area as part of its probe into the case," he said.
Gelatin sticks found in the vehicle were procured by Waze
"The gelatin sticks found in the vehicle near Ambani's house last month were procured by Waze," NIA sources had claimed on Wednesday. The NIA on Sunday had recovered a laptop, a printer, two hard disks, two vehicle number plates, two digital video recorders (DVRs), and two CPUs from the Mithi river in Mumbai with the help of divers.
Agency probing Waze's role in the case
The agency is probing Waze's role in parking the explosives-laden SUV near Ambani's residence on February 25 and in the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiren. Hiren's body, who possessed the SUV, was found in a creek in Mumbra town of Thane district on March 5.
Waze had been investigating the Ambani bomb threat matter
To recall, Waze was virtually leading the investigation in the Ambani bomb threat case. Opposition leader and former state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had carried out a series of allegations against him that brought him into the limelight. Fadnavis also said that Waze was the first person on the site near Antilia where the explosives-laden vehicle, a Mahindra Scorpio, was parked.
Waze has denied all charges against him
However, during the court proceedings, Waze denied all charges against him and said that he was being made a scapegoat in the case, according to a report by The Times of India. He had also told judge PR Sitre that he was the investigating officer for only one-and-a-half days and investigated the case as it should have been investigated.
