2021 Antilia bomb scare case: Mumbai court grants bail to ex-policeman Sachin Vaze
NIA court questions UAPA applicability, noting lack of evidence that the Ambanis were terrorised or that the SUV’s contents constituted a terrorist act, while confirming Hiran’s death as separate from terrorism
On September 29, 2026, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Mumbai granted bail to former policeman Sachin Vaze in connection with the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case. The prosecution was unable to prove a case of terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Vaze.
Special Sessions Judge Chakor S. Baviskar stated that there was no evidence suggesting that the Ambani family was terrorized. On February 25, 2021, an explosives-filled SUV was discovered near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s Antilia residence in south Mumbai. The SUV, which belonged to businessman Mansukh Hiran, was found in a creek in Thane on March 5, 2021.
The court criticized the NIA’s use of the stringent UAPA, noting that they failed to record statements from Ambani family members to demonstrate they were terrorized. The court also pointed out that the Ambanis' daily business operations were not disrupted in the slightest since the incident. Gelatin sticks found in the SUV were found to be inert and could not have been used in an explosion.
Additionally, the court noted that Hiran's murder was not a direct result of a terrorist act and was considered an independent homicide under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), bypassing UAPA bail restrictions. Vaze's bail was granted on a personal bond of ₹1 lakh with a surety. The prosecution accused Vaze and others of forming a "terrorist gang" and conspiring between February and March 2021.
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