The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) clarified that it will investigate the death of auto parts dealer Manuskh Hiren, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) will probe the SUV packed with explosives parked near Mukesh Ambani’s house. The probe agency said it is in the process of re-registering the case.
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh told the Assembly on Monday that the ATS filed a case against unidentified persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code after Hiren’s wife raised suspicion that he may have been murdered. “The Maharashtra Police are capable of solving the case. The Anti-Terrorism Squad has begun its probe into it,” Deshmukh said.
After the auto parts dealer went missing, his body was found in a creek at Thane in Mumbai merely hours later. Before his death, Hiren wrote to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Home Minister Deshmukh regarding the harassment he is facing from the police and the media. Hiren said that though he is a victim, he is being treated as an accused since the vehicle found outside Ambani’s house belonged to him.
The green Scorpio possessed by Hiren, had over 20 gelatin sticks and was found parked near Ambani’s residence – Antilia, located on Carmichael Road in Mumbai last month. The area comes under the Gamdevi Police Station. Reportedly, the police alerted a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) regarding the abandoned car. Gelatin is a substance often used for making explosives.
Police were unable to identify the person who parked the car near Ambani’s house as his face was covered. Later, the police informed that the SUV was stolen from Airoli-Mulund Bridge on February 18.
