IN A major development in the investigation into the SUV case, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has slapped charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against arrested-suspended Mumbai Police ‘encounter specialist’ Sachin Waze, officials said on Wednesday.

 

An NIA official related to probe told IANS: “The agency has added the sections of the UA(P)A against Waze, who was arrested on March 13 in connection with Scorpio SUV with 20 gelatin sticks and a threat note, parked near Antilia, the home of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.” Under UAPA, the maximum police custody can be of 30 days. The investigating agency can get an extension of 90 days to file a chargesheet (additional to the usual 90 days).

 

Securing bail will be much more tough in comparison with other sections. Billed as a prime accused, Assistant Police Inspector (API) Waze was arrested for his role in the case and sent to NIA custody till March 25. The Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), which is probing the businessman Mansukh Hiren’s death aspect of the case, was planning to seek Waze’s custody on Thursday.