I Believe Sachin Vaze Is A Very Honest And Capable Officer, Says Sanjay Raut; Vaze To Be In NIA Custody Till 25 March

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has sparked a controversy after making a statement in support of Sachin Vaze, the “encounter specialist” of Mumbai police who was arrested yesterday night by NIA in connection to the Ambani bomb threat case.

“I believe Sachin Waze is a very honest and capable officer. He has been arrested in connection with gelatin sticks that were found. One suspicious death also occurred. It's Mumbai Police's responsibility to investigate the matter. No central team was needed,” Raut said.

“We respect NIA but our Police could've done it too. Mumbai Police & ATS are well respected but central agencies repeatedly enter Mumbai and demoralise Mumbai Police. It creates instability in the state and creates pressure on Mumbai Police and administration,” he added.

The Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis said, “Sachin Waze's arrest raised questions on the government. Maharashtra chief minister and home minister were protecting him as if they were his lawyers. I think only one angle has come out but Mansukh Hiren death case isn't solved yet. Probe will reveal who was involved and what was the intention.

"Waze was suspended by High Court for 16 years. When I was CM, Shiv Sena leaders demanded to revoke his suspension. The new government took him back giving an excuse of COVID. He was made Crime Intelligence Unit's chief and was given major cases,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sachin Vaze has been sent to NIA custody till 25 March by a Mumbai court after dismissing interim bail plea in the Mansukh Hiren death case. The court said that his "custodial interrogation is necessary".