COURT GRANTS SACHIN WAZE BAIL, QUESTIONS BASIS OF ANTILIA TERROR CHARGE

September 29, 2026

A special court in Mumbai has granted bail to dismissed police officer Sachin Waze in the 2021 Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder case, observing that the evidence presented by the National Investigation Agency did not establish a prima facie case of terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The court noted that no statements from members of industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s family had been recorded to demonstrate that they had been terrorised by the alleged placement of an explosives-laden SUV near their residence. The judge also observed that the Ambanis’ regular business activities did not appear to have been disrupted by the incident.

The court further questioned whether the materials recovered from the vehicle satisfied the legal requirements for describing the incident as a terrorist act. It noted that the gelatin sticks found inside the SUV were without detonators and therefore could not, on the material before the court, establish the necessary elements of a terrorist offence under the UAPA.

Regarding the death of businessman Mansukh Hiran, the court held that while it was a homicidal death, it did not appear at this stage to be a direct consequence of a terrorist act. The court therefore considered the murder allegation separately from the UAPA charges while examining Waze’s bail application.

Waze has remained in custody since his arrest in 2021. The court granted bail subject to conditions, including restrictions on his entry into Mumbai and several neighbouring districts until the examination of material witnesses is completed. The case will continue independently of the bail decision.