Antilia Bomb Scare: Charges Framed Against Waze, Sharma and 8 Others
A special NIA court has framed charges against ten individuals, including former cops Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma, over the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder. As per an ETV Bharat report, the accused pleaded not guilty and will now face trial under strict anti-terror and murder provisions.
A special National Investigation Agency court in Mumbai has formally framed charges against ten individuals, including former police officers Sachin Waze and Pradeep Sharma, in connection with the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and the subsequent murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran. The accused will now face trial for multiple offences under the Indian Penal Code, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, and the Explosive Substances Act.
As per a report by ETV Bharat, Additional Sessions Judge Chakor Baviskar framed the charges after all ten defendants pleaded not guilty during the court hearing. The sensational twin cases stem from February 2021, when an explosives-laden SUV was found parked near billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani's south Mumbai residence, Antilia, followed weeks later by the death of vehicle owner Mansukh Hiran. IndiGo Flight Bomb Threat: Hoax Note Found on Bengaluru-Ahmedabad Plane.
Prosecution Claims and Mastermind Allegations
According to the National Investigation Agency, Sachin Waze acted as the mastermind behind the conspiracy. Investigators allege that Waze sought to revive his reputation as a prominent investigator and extort money, allegedly aiming to meet a financial target set by a high-ranking political figure.
The prosecution further stated that the group formed a terrorist gang to create widespread panic by posting threats through online messaging channels. Mansukh Hiran was reportedly targeted and eliminated because he refused to take the blame for the planted explosives and was viewed as a liability who could expose the operation.
Co-Accused and Legal Framework
Alongside Waze and Sharma, the other defendants facing trial include Riyazuddin Kazi, Sunil Mane, Vinayak Shinde, Anand Jadhav, Satish Tirupati Mothkuri, Manish Vasantbhai Soni, Naresh Gaur, and Santosh Shelar. Several of the accused are dismissed law enforcement personnel who allegedly helped construct fake alibis and destroy critical evidence, including digital video recorders and mobile devices. Murshidabad Blast: Several Injured in Crude Bomb Explosion in Nowda During West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 Polling (Watch Video).
While four of the accused are currently out on bail, Waze and the remaining defendants remain in judicial custody. If convicted under the stringent anti-terror and murder provisions, the accused face penalties ranging from rigorous life imprisonment to the death penalty.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 01, 2026 10:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
