States » WestPosted at: Sep 29 2026 5:07PM


Maha: Court questions UAPA terror charge as Sachin Waze gets bail in Antilia explosives & Mansukh Hiren murder cases

Mumbai, Sep 29 (UNI) A special NIA court here today granted bail to former police officer Sachin Waze, an accused in the twin cases of planting of an explosives-laden SUV at industrialist Mukesh Ambani's iconic home Antilia in south Mumbai and the businessman Mansukh Hiren murder, as prosecution failed to substantiate its claims concerning the allegation of a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Special Judge Chakor Shrikrishna Bhosale approved Waze's bail application on September 29, 2026, after examining the evidence and prosecution's claims regarding the allegation of a terrorist act under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
In its detailed order, the court said that at the stage of considering bail, it was necessary to examine the merits of the prosecution's case. The court specifically considered the allegation of a terrorist act under Section 15 of the UAPA and observed that there was insufficient material on record to prima facie conclude that the incident was intended to threaten the unity, integrity, security or sovereignty of India. The court also noted that no member of the Ambani family had been examined during the investigation.
The court clarified that the approach to assessing a case at the stage of framing charges is different from that at the stage of deciding bail. While considering charges, the prosecution's material is examined without undertaking a detailed assessment of its merits. At the bail stage, however, the available material can be examined more closely. The court said it had considered the evidence available on that basis while deciding Waze's bail application.
Regarding Mansukh Hiren's death, the court acknowledged that he had been murdered but said there was currently insufficient basis to directly classify the killing as the result of a terrorist act. The court also took note of the fact that other accused in the same case had already been granted bail.
The special court ordered Waze's release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh and a local surety for the same amount. However, several strict conditions were imposed. Waze has been directed to surrender his passport to the NIA and has been barred from entering Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and Raigad until the statements of important witnesses have been recorded.
Waze has also been directed to provide his current residential address and active mobile number. He must report to the local police station every Sunday and cannot directly or indirectly contact any witness or the witness' relatives. The court has warned that violation of any bail condition could lead to further legal action.
The case dates back to 2021, when an SUV containing gelatin sticks was found near Antilia, the Mumbai residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. The subsequent death of the vehicle owner, Mansukh Hiren, also became part of the investigation, which was later taken over by the NIA.
In August 2026, the special court framed charges against Sachin Waze and other accused under the UAPA and various other provisions in connection with the case.
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Tags: #Maha: Court questions UAPA terror charge as Sachin Waze gets bail in Antilia explosives & Mansukh Hiren murder cases
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