NIA takes over Mansukh Hiren death case

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was so far probing the case

The mystery behind the sensational death of Thane-based businessman Mansukh Hiran – whose Mahindra Scorpio was planted near the residence of India’s top businessman Mukesh Ambani - will now be probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the federal agency to take over the probe that was being conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of the Maharashtra Police.

Over the last few days, NIA officials have already met their ATS counterparts and discussed the details of the case.

Hiran (48), the owner of a car accessories business, Classic Car Decor near Vandana Talkies in Thane, went missing on 4 March and was found dead on 5 March at the Reti Bunder in Mumbra-Kalwa in Thane.

Following pressure from the BJP, the case was transferred from the Thane police to the ATS.

Also read: Sachin Vaze taken to Antilia for crime scene recreation

It may be recalled, the ATS has registered an FIR into the case after Hiran’s wife Vimla Hiran said that Vaze knew her husband was using the Scorpio and was eliminating her husband.

After the Central government’s decision, Shiv Sena chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said: “It does not affect us…the Mumbai Police and ATS are capable and professional organizations. However, the Centre (BJP) seemed to be in a hurry to take over the case, the opposition (BJP in Maharashtra) has a different view…let it be…let them get the case investigated by the CIA or KGB.”

Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya visited Thane and met members of the Hiran family. “They feel Vaze cheated and murdered Mansukh. They are satisfied that the NIA took over investigation of the case,” he said.