Antilia explosives scare: Accused Anand Jadhav seeks bail | Mumbai News

The NIA arrested Jadhav in June 2021 for his alleged role in the murder of Hiren, the owner of the explosives-laden SUV found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence on February 25, 2021. Hiren’s body was found in a stream in Thane a few days later. According to the prosecution, Jadhav had arranged for a car, a Chevrolet Tavera, in which Hiren was killed on Ghodbunder Road in Thane.

His lawyer Mithilesh Mishra, seeking bail for Jadhav, submitted that there was no evidence to link his client to the case. He said only a witness identified Jadhav but the NIA did not confirm that the man identified by the witness was actually his client. He added that the chargesheet does not mention that a Tavera car was used in Hiren’s murder and there is no CCTV footage or call recordings to prove his involvement.

The lawyer also submitted that Jadhav has been in jail for over two years and the trial is unlikely to begin in the near future as charges against the accused in the case have not yet been framed.

Soni retracts her confession

Meanwhile, Manish Soni, another accused in the case, sent a letter from Yerawada Central Jail to the special NIA court on Wednesday asking him to withdraw his confession.

In his confession, Soni had narrated the events leading to Hiren’s death and described the roles of his co-accused Santosh Shelar, Satish Mothkuri and Anand Jadhav, who were allegedly involved in the murder and disposal of the body.

The special court has directed NIA to respond to the letter by October 25.