The special NIA court on Saturday rejected former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma’s discharge plea in connection with Antilia bomb scare case and murder of Thane trader Mansukh Hiran. The court has noted that Sharma was in touch with dismissed Mumbai police officer Sachin Vaze from February 17, 2021, much before the explosive laden car was placed outside Antilia.
The special judge AM Patil, has noted that without holding a trial, ‘the truthfulness, sufficiency and acceptability’ of the evidence can not be judged.
On February 25, 2021, an SUV was found abandoned near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s home residence Antilia with 20 loose gelatin sticks and a threat note. On March 5, 2021, Hiran – the owner of the SUV – was found dead in a creek near Mumbra, with six handkerchiefs stuffed in his mouth and his face covered by a scarf.
Sharma, listed as accused no 10 in the case, had sought discharge and contended that he is nowhere connected for alleged offence of UAPA and there is no material to show that he was involved in planting gelatin sticks.
Sharma countered the allegations that he met Vaze long before the Scorpio car with explosives was abandoned. The prosecution claimed Sharma visited Mazgaon on February 17, 2021, to meet Vaze and alleged that Hiran was eliminated as he was a ‘weak link’ threatening to expose the conspiracy.
In his defense, Sharma stated he was in Mazgaon for a friend’s wedding. He relied on statements from advocate KH Giri and ACP Nitin Alaknure, with Giri describing Hiran as bold and not frustrated. Sharma argued that the prosecution’s motive was misplaced.
NIA prosecutor Sunil Gonsalves argued that IPDR (internet protocol detail record) data showed Vaze and Sharma were in Mazgaon and Vikhroli on the day Hiran abandoned his vehicle. The prosecution claimed, “As police officers, they avoided direct meetings before February 25. Sharma, in connivance with Vaze, played a key role in the crime.”
The special judge heavily relied on the IPDR data and accepted the prosecution’s case, noting that Vaze and Sharma met on March 2, 3, and 5, 2021. The court also stated that witness statements, including those from Sharma’s personal security officer, driver, and other police officials, could not be dismissed without evidence of enmity. The judge concluded that the evidence against Sharma must be tested during trial and cannot be deemed fabricated at this stage.
