NIA Court allows CBI to question Sachin Waze on allegations against Anil Deshmukh, extends suspended cop's custody till April 9

A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court today granted permission to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to interrogate suspended cop Sachin Waze on the allegations against former State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh..In light of the order of the Bombay High Court in former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh’s plea, the CBI had initiated a preliminary enquiry to investigate the allegations..The CBI subsequently moved an application before the Special NIA Court seeking permission to interrogate Waze, and the same was granted by Additional Sessions Judge DE Kothalikar..The NIA Court also extended the custody of Waze for two more days, till April 9..Appearing for NIA, Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh sought four days of custody. He reiterated that Waze tried create terror in the mind of people at large. "There cannot be a more serious charge. This is why NIA took over this case.".Singh apprised the Court on the developments in the case from the previous hearing till date. He stated that a bank account was found in the name of Waze and a firm containing around Rs. 1.5 crore..This was discovered through the statement of an accomplice recorded during investigation. The accomplice also stated that he was given over Rs 80 lakh by Waze..Singh submitted that it was important for the NIA to find out where this huge amount of money came from and whether it was obtained through extortion..The ASG submitted that the elimination of Hiran Mansukh, an alleged co-conspirator, had to be investigated. “It is not easy to get information from Waze or interrogate him. He is a police officer who has taken part in many investigations.”.Appearing for Waze, Senior Advocate Aabad Ponda informed the Court that he has no objection to NIA custody or to the CBI questioning his client."I have no objection as it is in my interest to stay in police custody and co-operate with the CBI as I have done with NIA.”.Ponda pointed out that while conducting the recreation of events at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Waze was handcuffed all along.“You cannot handcuff a citizen, specially a senior police officer. He may be accused of a serious offence but you cannot do this. I am not seeking an order or compensation just pointing out to the court,” he submitted..After hearing the parties briefly, the Court extended the remand of Waze by two days..The Court was also considering an application of Waze seeking medical supervision in light of his critical heart condition. The Court directed NIA to give Waze all the medical aid and get his medical status report on the next date of hearing..The FIR against Waze in the explosives case was registered by the NIA on March 8 under Sections 286 (negligent conduct with explosive substance), 465 (punishment for forgery), 473 (counterfeit seal) and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.Waze has been implicated for his alleged involvement in the case pertaining to an explosives-laden SUV found outside Mukesh Ambani’s residence..Waze was arrested at 11:50 pm on March 27 and was interrogated for 13 hours before he was produced before the Special NIA Court. He was earlier remanded to NIA custody on April 7..NIA Court extends custody of Sachin Waze in explosives case till April 7