Ambani bomb scare: Car owner found dead, NIA probe sought

The vehicle carrying 20 gelatin sticks was abandoned outside the Ambani residence. Pic/Ashish Raje

The owner of the explosives-laden vehicle abandoned outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house last month, was found dead on Friday at Thane. Demanding a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the suspicious death of Mansukh Hiren, 47, opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis has also raised questions over the role of senior police officer Sachin Vaze in the case. Following this, police chief Param Bir Singh and Joint Commissioner Crime Milind Bharambe briefed the home minister.

Mansukh Hiren, the owner of a car accessories shop in Thane, was in the news last week when it was found that the Scorpio abandoned outside Ambani's house, belonged to him. Hiren had told cops that it had broken down at Vikhroli, and later was stolen. Since the car was retrieved, Hiren was interrogated by Mumbai police.

Before the vehicle owner Mansukh Hiren's (right) death was reported, Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis had alleged that Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze (left) was in touch with the owner

On Friday afternoon, 18-year-old Meet, Hiren's son, had lodged a missing complaint at Naupada police station. "In the complaint he said his father had left his office on Thursday around 8pm and hadn't come home. He hadn't taken his car, but had gone by auto. His phone was also switched off at around 10.30pm," said DCP (Zone 1) Avinash Ambure.

Vimal, Mansukh's wife, claimed he received a call from a person who said he was a Crime Branch officer from the Kandivli Unit. "He was reportedly called to Ghodbunder Road. When I asked who called you, he said Tayde or Tawde. His phone was switched off at 10.30 pm,' she said. According to sources the tower location of phone was near Vasai-Virar.

Staff and friends of Hiren gather at his building (right) Vikas Palms. Pics/Rajesh Gupta

On the morning of Friday, a body had been spotted by a labourer at a creek at Mumbra bypass. "He informed his associates, who immediately alerted the Mumbra police. The body was taken to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital, Kalwa, and doctors declared him dead on arrival," said Madhukar Kad, senior inspector Mumbra police station.

After the police circulated the picture of the deceased, Naupada police identified it and informed Hiren's family later on Friday.

Vinod Hiren, Mansukh's brother, says he doesn't believe he committed suicide

Vinod, Mansukh's brother, told mid-day, "My brother was such a jovial person. Even after the car incident he was calm. I don't believe he committed suicide. Also, he knew how to swim and had taught his son, so why would he choose water to end his life? In a viral video of the body being brought out, many handkerchiefs are seen placed on my brother's mouth. One can't rule out murder."

Report yet to come

The post mortem completed by 10pm. Doctors have kept their opinion reserved till Saturday. "We have filed an Accidental Death Report as of now, the future course of action will be taken after getting final report," said DCP Ambure.

Feb 25
When the vehicle was found abandoned outside Antilia