The Bombay High Court on Monday rejected a bail application by Sunil Mane, a former police officer implicated in the Antilia bomb scare and the subsequent murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran. Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan, presiding over the case, cited prima facie evidence suggesting Mane’s involvement in the high-profile crimes.
Sunil Mane, who served as a senior inspector, was arrested in April 2021 after an SUV laden with explosives was discovered parked outside Antilia, the residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. This incident was soon followed by the murder of Mansukh Hiran, the registered owner of the vehicle. Hiran’s body was later found in a creek in Thane on March 5, sparking widespread investigations.
During the bail hearing, Mane contended that there was no evidence linking him to the crimes. However, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which took over the case, argued that Mane was actively involved in a conspiracy to eliminate Hiran. The court, examining the submissions by the prosecution, concluded that the evidence pointed to a premeditated conspiracy to murder Hiran, noting the serious nature of the charges, including those under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
The bench expressed its concerns about the potential for evidence and witness tampering, highlighting Mane’s background in law enforcement as a factor that could facilitate such actions. “Given that the accused has been a cop, the possibility of him tampering with witnesses cannot be ruled out,” the court observed.
The court also emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation and the importance of bringing it to a logical conclusion swiftly to ensure justice for the deceased’s family. It stated, “It would not be just and proper to release the appellant on bail, which would frustrate the trial.”
Sunil Mane is among ten individuals arrested in connection with the case, including other former police officers Sachin Waze, Pradeep Sharma, and Vinayak Shinde, all of whom are suspected of various roles in the orchestrated crimes.
