Mansukh Hiren death case: Accused destroyed SIM cards, mobile phones, CCTV footage, says ATS

Covering their tracks, the accused behind the suspected murder of Thane-based businessman Mansukh Hiren have destroyed SIM cards, mobile phones and CCTV footage.

The Mansukh Hiren case is being investigated by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra Police even as the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe.

Read | Sachin Vaze involved in Mansukh Hiren's murder: ATS chief

The NIA is investigating the planting of a Mahindra Scorpio SUV laden with 20-odd gelatin sticks and a threatening letter near Antilia, the Carmichael Road residence of Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani – and have arrested Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Vaze.

Incidentally, the Scorpio belonged to Hiren, who was known to Vaze, an 'encounter specialist'.

Hiren’s wife Vimla have named Vaze the man responsible for the suspected murder of her husband.

Read | Hiren murder case: ATS seizes high-end car from Daman

The ATS during the over fortnight-long investigations has arrested two persons Naresh Gor, a cricket bookie and Vinayak Shinde, a dismissed constable who is serving a life sentence in a fake encounter case – and is currently on parole.

Addressing mediapersons, Additional Director General of Police Jai Jeet Singh, who heads the ATS, said that on 25 March, when the NIA produces Vaze in the court, the ATS would seek his remand.

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Singh said that during the investigations, the ATS has recorded statements of several witnesses. Some of the statements have been recorded under 164 CrPC before a Magistrate.

Shinde was taking instructions from Vaze.