SUV bomb scare case: Third serving officer of Mumbai Police arrested by NIA

NIA arrested Mumbai police inspector Sunil Mane on Friday. Pic/Bipin Kokate

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested Mumbai Police Crime Branch inspector Sunil Mane in connection with SUV bomb scare case and Mansukh Hiran murder case.

Mane was police inspector of Unit 11 crime branch and was recently transferred to Local Arms Unit. He was part of the meeting where Mansukh Hiran's murder was planned.

"Mane was called by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning on Thursday for his alleged role in the Ambani security scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases," an official said.

He was arrested after his involvement came to light, he said.

Mane will be produced before a court later in the day, the official said.

On April 11, NIA had arrested Assistant Police Inspector (API) Riyazuddin Qazi in connection with the Ambani bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases. Qazi was closely associated with the prime accused, suspended API Sachin Waze, and was allegedly a part of all important investigations carried out by him, including the TRP scam. Waze was arrested on March 13.

Thane-based residence of businessman Mansukh Hiran was allegedly murdered days after an explosivesladen SUV was found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence in Mumbai.

The NIA is conducting a probe into the case of the SUV laden with explosives found near Ambani's house and the alleged murder of Hiran.

A Scorpio laden with explosives was found near Ambani's residence in south Mumbai on February 25. Hiran, who was in possession of the vehicle, was found dead in a creek in Thane on March 5.