MUMBAI: A special court on Wednesday granted the NIA 60 days extension to submit the chargesheet against five arrested accused, including dismissed cop Sachin Waze, in the case involving a bomb scare near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s private residence, Antilia.
“The offence is investigated in various dimensions.
There are many folds in which investigation is carried out.
Because of the complicity of the matter, it requires more time for thorough investigation.
The tentacles of the investigation are deep-rooted, hence, it requires more time to search out each and every course…,” special judge Prashant R Sitre said.
Among grounds to seek the extension, the agency cited delays in investigation and recording statements of witnesses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown and extensive electronic data that needed to be analysed by experts.
The NIA’s earlier deadline to file the chargesheet was to come to an end on June 10.
If a chargesheet is not submitted within the stipulated period, the accused can be granted bail.
Waze was arrested on March 13 in connection with the probe into the recovery of explosives from an SUV found parked near businessman Mukesh Ambani’s south Mumbai residence on February 25.
The murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran is alleged to be connected to this case.
Objecting to the plea, Waze’s advocate Sudeep Pasbola submitted that the provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) are not applicable to the case.
He also argued that not providing them a copy of the investigation report submitted by the prosecution, denied them their fundamental right.
Dismissed cop, Sunil Mane’s lawyers, Aaditya Gore and Vaibhav Bagade too opposed the plea.
Two accused did not object.
In a separate order, the court denied the accused plea to access the “confidential report.” Meanwhile, the court has allowed Waze’s plea made by advocate Rounak Naik for a chair and mattress.
Waze was also granted permission to meet his lawyer Sajal Yadav at Taloja jail for an hour every Monday in June and July.
The court said Waze was entitled to seek consultation of his advocate to defend himself.