Ex-Policeman Challenges UAPA and NIA Probe in High-Profile Bomb Scare Case

Dismissed policeman Sachin Waze has filed a petition in Bombay High Court challenging the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the National Investigating Agency's probe into the Antilia bomb scare and businessman Mansukh Hiran's death. The court has asked NIA to respond and posted the hearing on September 23.

Dismissed policeman Sachin Waze has taken legal action against the provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the investigation conducted by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in the Antilia bomb scare and the death of businessman Mansukh Hiran.

On Monday, a division bench comprising Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande directed NIA to file an affidavit responding to Waze's 185-page petition, which the court described as more of a thesis. Waze, currently jailed in connection with these cases, is seeking immediate release pending his petition hearing.

Senior counsel Aabad Ponda argued on behalf of Waze, asserting that UAPA provisions were incorrectly applied and questioned NIA's competence to start an investigation before the act was invoked. The case is scheduled for further hearing on September 23.

(With inputs from agencies.)