Mukesh Ambani case: Anti-Terrorism Squad formally takes over Ambani SUV case

The Scorpio SUV and the gelatin sticks recovered near the residence of businessman Mukesh Ambani has been sent for forensic examination as the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) formally took over the probe.

On Saturday evening, after state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh held a meeting with Director General of Police Hemant Nagrale, the government wrote to Additional Director General of Police Jai Jeet Singh, who heads the ATS to take over the investigations.

On Sunday, the Mumbai Police sent the SUV and 20-odd gelatin sticks to the forensic science laboratory in Kalina for detailed examination.

In the letter addressed to Singh, home department’s Deputy Secretary Ramesh Manale has mentioned both the cases—the recovery of the car and gelatine sticks outside Antilia, the home of Ambani, and the death of Mansukh Hiren, the prime witness in the case who owned the car.

“The probe must start immediately and the report be submitted to the government at the earliest,” the letter states.

The FSL will also try to find out if the chassis number of the car was changed, to help identify the real owner of the vehicle and in whose name it was registered.

It may be recalled, Deshmukh, while making a statement in Maharashtra Legislature, last week, had claimed that the car belonged to one Sam Peter Newton, who had given the car to Mansukh Hiren’s automobile spare-parts company for interior refurbishment – as the original owner was not able to pay up for the work done.

However, this was contested by Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis, who had said Mansukh Hiren in his statement to the police had said he had purchased the car from Newton.

What is more surprising is that days before he died, Mansukh Hiren had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Deshmukh and the Mumbai and Thane police chiefs, saying that he was being harassed.

“I have already given my explanation and statements about how the vehicle was stolen, and I am being victimised and suffering harassment by police and news reporters," Hiren said in the letter and pointed out that he had been questioned by the Vikhroli and Ghatkopar police stations, Crime Intelligence Unit and Nagpada unit of ATS and also NIA.

"The interrogation by various agencies disturbed my peace of mind. Despite being a victim, I am treated as an accused. I have also been receiving calls from media houses who have been harassing me and my family," he said.

The letter and tracing the original owner of the car are also matters of the investigation.

The family, friends and fraternity of Hiren Mansukh had stated that he was a good swimmer and could not have died by suicide, besides, he was financially sound, had no addictions or vices.