13 March,2021 06:58 AM IST | Mumbai | Faizan Khan
ATS officers during the crime scene reconstruction at Retibunder in Thane. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) investigating the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran said it has what it believes to be fresh leads after the recreation of the crime scene on March 10. A second recreation was done on March 11 after more clues were gathered. Sources confirmed that so far, statements of more than 15 people, including Assistant Police Inspector (API) Sachin Vaze have been recorded.
Businessman Mansukh Hiran's wife, Vimla, in Thane earlier this week. Pic/Rajesh Gupta
According to sources in the Maharashtra ATS, Vaze, in his statement, has said that he never used the Scorpio which was found laden with explosives near Mukesh Ambani's residence. "He has been questioned a couple of times; he denied using the car as alleged by Hiran's wife," an officer said.
Hiran's wife, Vimla, has alleged that Vaze was using the car from November 20, 2020, to February 5. She had also said that she suspects Vaze to be behind the murder. "The investigation is going in the right direction. The collection of CCTV footage from multiple locations and other digital evidence is underway," the officer added.
ALSO READ
Maharashtra: ATS continues to grill duo who visited Abu Salem
Rs 1,814 crore drug bust near Bhopal
2018 arms haul case: HC grants bail to five accused
Maha ATS busts ‘illegal’ telephone exchange in Bhiwandi, Nalasopara; 1 held
ATS busts illegal telephone exchange aiding terrorist activities, one held
The second recreation at the crime scene on Thursday night was done with the help of forensic experts and the local weather bureau. "We have found fresh leads to move ahead in the investigation. The fresh developments cannot be shared until we reach a logical conclusion," the officer added. The agency is also trying to establish the movement of the Scorpio which was stolen from Vikhroli as per Hiran's FIR. "We believe that the person who stole the car is linked to the incident of explosives being found in the car near Antilia and the murder," the officer said.
Mansukh Hiran
Vaze transferred to Special Branch
After a massive uproar in the Assembly by Opposition, API Sachin Vaze heading the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of Mumbai Crime Branch has been transferred to the Special Branch (SB1). Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had already announced the transfer, but the Mumbai police's official order was issued on Friday after a meeting of the establishment. Senior officers of Mumbai police said that while his posting will be at SB1, from where he will draw his salary, Vaze will remain attached to the Citizen Facilitation Centre (CFC) of Mumbai police at the Commissioner of Police's office.