SUV bomb scare: ATS says it has got fresh leads, reconstructs crime a second time

13 March,2021 06:58 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Faizan Khan

The second recreation was done on Thursday night, anti-terror cops also record statement of API Sachin Vaze who has denied having used Mansukh Hiran’s Scorpio car

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.

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.

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