‘Mercedes on API salary’: Bombay HC questions Sachin Waze’s bail in Antilia case

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court questioned how dismissed Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze, who earned a monthly salary under Rs 1 lakh, was able to afford a Mercedes. Waze reportedly drove this vehicle to his office at the Mumbai Police Commissioner’s headquarters as well as to Varsha, the Chief Minister’s official residence.

The court remarked, “This person, being the rank of an API, drove in a Mercedes to his office which was in the same building as the commissioner of police. In fact, he (Waze) even went to Varsha bungalow in the Mercedes.” The High Court further raised questions regarding his month-long stay at a five-star hotel in Nariman Point, South Mumbai. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) noted that while the hotel was registered under a different name, the identification card attached to the booking featured Waze’s photograph.

These observations were made while the High Court was hearing an appeal filed by the NIA against the September 29 special court order that granted bail to Waze in connection with the Antilia bomb threat and the murder of Mansukh Hiren.


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During the proceedings, Justice Girish Kulkarni stated that when an individual in uniform is linked to a crime, matters regarding conduct and integrity are evaluated closely. Waze has been in custody since his arrest in March 2021 under murder charges and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Representing the NIA, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Singh argued that the trial court erred in criticizing the prosecution for not obtaining statements from the Mukesh Ambani family. He pointed out that neither an executed act of terror nor a formal statement from the target is a mandatory element of the offense; rather, the attempt or the likelihood of an attack constitutes a crucial component. The special court had previously questioned the application of anti-terror charges against Waze.

The ASG asserted that Waze orchestrated the placement of 20 gelatin sticks and a warning note inside the vehicle of his acquaintance, Hiren, aiming to inflict fear not only on a single family but across the broader public.

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Following the ASG’s reading of key extracts from the chargesheet detailing the allegations, the High Court bench orally remarked on Waze's usage of the luxury vehicle to enter the police headquarters through a separate gate. “Even went to Varsha bungalow in a Merc… stayed at a five star for 100 days on an API salary? Why? And on a bogus Aadhar card?” The ASG responded that while the reasons for the extended hotel stay remain unclear, the identification card used for the reservation contained a “fake number and address, but shows Waze’s photo.”

The bench proceeded to inquire about the procurement of the explosives: “Is there any material to show from where the gelatin sticks were purchased? It must be a controlled substance. For selling you also need a license. Similarly for purchase also a license must be required?” The ASG stated that the source remains unknown, noting that “Waze did not cooperate with the probe.”

Additionally, the High Court asked the agency to clarify what harm would arise from Waze's release, considering the strict bail conditions set by the lower court, including an order requiring him to reside outside Mumbai, and the fact that charges have already been framed.

In response, ASG Singh emphasized that Waze previously headed the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Mumbai Crime Branch and holds significant influence. The agency expressed concern that he might tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses, urging the court to cancel his bail. The ASG requested the High Court to weigh the gravity of the crime, adding that approximately 150 prosecution witnesses are scheduled for examination and that the trial could be fast-tracked.

Waze’s legal counsel, comprising advocates V. M. Thorat and Sajal Yadav, are scheduled to present their counter-arguments next Thursday.