The Bombay High Court has denied interim bail to Santosh Atamaram Shelar, an accused in the Antilia explosives scare and Mansukh Hiran’s murder. The decision, based on legal considerations, cites insufficient evidence for Shelar’s claim regarding his daughter’s accident. Concerns about potential absconding, given Shelar’s prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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Mumbai: On Monday, the Bombay High Court has rejected Santosh Atamaram Shelar’s plea for temporary release in connection with the high-profile Antilia explosives scare and the subsequent murder of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran. Shelar had sought interim bail, citing his daughter’s serious accident that required multiple surgeries.
Shelar’s plea for interim bail emerged in the backdrop of a rejected bail application by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in January 2024. His legal representation argued that his daughter had encountered a grave accident in November 2023, which led to the need for extensive medical treatment and surgeries. They contended that Shelar’s presence was crucial for arranging the financial resources required for his daughter’s ongoing medical care.
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However, the NIA presented a strong opposition to Shelar’s bail plea, underlining his charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The agency pointed out that Shelar’s daughter, a 27-year-old practicing advocate residing in Pune with relatives, was already receiving adequate care from her mother and other family members.
The NIA raised concerns about the possibility of Shelar absconding, especially given his previous attempt to escape to Nepal with co-accused Manish Soni following the murder of Mansukh Hiran.
The bench, comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Manjusha Deshpande, found insufficient evidence to support the claim that Shelar’s daughter’s surgeries were postponed due to financial constraints. Noting that she had been discharged and was recuperating with relatives, the court saw no compelling reason to approve Shelar’s request for interim bail.
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The backdrop of this legal battle traces to February 25, 2023, when a Mahindra Scorpio laden with 20 loose gelatin sticks and a threatening note was discovered near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence. The twist in the tale came with the death of Mansukh Hiran, the SUV’s owner, found deceased in a creek near Mumbra on March 5, 2023. His demise was marked by evident signs of foul play, including six handkerchiefs stuffed in his mouth and his face obscured by a scarf.
The NIA’s involvement in the investigation led to the arrest of ten individuals, highlighting a complex web of connections involving three Mumbai police officers—Sachin Waze, Riyazuddin Kazi, and inspector Sunil Mane. The case also saw the arrest of former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma, former police constable Vinayak More, and a convict from the Lakhan Bhaiyya fake encounter case, all alleged to have assisted Waze in orchestrating the crime.
The court’s decision to deny interim bail to Santosh Atamaram Shelar reflects a prioritization of collective security concerns over individual familial circumstances.
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