Vaze had been planning encounters in the name of terror, reveals NIA

Sources in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have revealed that suspended police officer Sachin Vaze did not just plan the Ambani residence bomb scare, but also the encounter of one or two people in the name of an ‘anti-terror’ act.

In the investigation into the matter, former Commissioner of Mumbai Police Param Bir Singh recorded his statement as a witness, not as a suspect. The NIA is also trying to ascertain the role of Pradeep Sharma, another top cop and encounter specialist, in providing Vaze support.

On Friday, a special NIA court remanded Vaze to judicial custody till 23 April. Vaze had been arrested on 13 March and has been booked under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged role in planting an explosive-laden car outside industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence, Antillia, in February.

The special NIA Court also allowed a request made by Sachin Vaze’s lawyer for a secured and separate cell for the cop. The safe cell has been sought as some danger to his client’s safety is apprehended, stated the lawyer.

Regarding the recent application filed stating Vaze suffered from chest pains, the special court also observed, based on medical reports, that Sachin Vaze doesn’t need cardiography.

Meanwhile, the special court has allowed the plea of the Central Bureau of Investigation for access to NIA’s records of the investigation into the case. Special Judge Prashant Sitre suggested that the CBI Counsel approach the NIA IO and check which documents available with the NIA are relevant for them and also asked the NIA officer to cooperate.