SUV bomb scare-Mansukh Hiran murder case: Pradeep Sharma remanded in judicial custody till July 12

Pradeep Sharma with Santosh Shelar. File pic

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday told the court that the accused who killed Mansukh Hiran not only travelled to different parts of Maharashtra and Delhi, but they had also traveled abroad after the murder, and this is being investigated. The agency, which is investigating the Mukesh Ambani threat and Hiran murder case, didn't seek further custody of former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma, and the court sent him to judicial custody till July 12.

Accused Anand Jadhav and Santosh Shelar who were earlier remanded in NIA custody till July 1, have been sent to judicial custody as the agency said they don't need their further custody.

The agency sought custody of Manish Basant Soni and Satish Tirupati Mutkori and the court remanded them in NIA custody till July 1. The NIA said that they have found some fresh links that the accused travelled abroad which needs to investigated - as to why they traveled to a foreign country after eliminating Hiran and who funded them. NIA sources have also confirmed to mid-day that Pradeep Sharma's close aide Santosh Shelar and Anand Jadhav had also travelled to another country, which the investigating agency found during their further probe.

"Shelar and Jadhav were a big catch in the entire case. They tried everything to misguide us, and those who have been questioned in the case also didn't reveal about them," an officer said.

'Nothing new to interrogate'

The defence lawyer who argued for the accused Satish and Manish told the court that Manish is a businessman, and a frequent visitor to different countries. He said this cannot be a ground to keep him in further NIA custody, as the agency has nothing new to further interrogate him. The defence lawyer also said that the agency, in the last hearing also talked about funding, but has nothing to show now. The prosecution again showed the case diary to the court about the progress in the case. After listening to the arguments the court remanded both Satish and Manish in NIA custody till July 1.

During the argument the NIA gave more clarity for the first time, on how Hiran was killed. According to the NIA it was Manish who was driving the red Tavera on March 4, the day Hiran was killed, and Satish smothered him while Shelar and Jadhav held his hands. He was then dumped in a creek. The agency is yet to give more clarity if Hiran was unconscious or dead when thrown into the creek. The agency is waiting for certain scientific and forensic reports to get further clarity.

Sharma cites threat to life

Former encounter specialist Sharma who was sent to the judicial custody by the special NIA court on Monday, gave an application citing a threat to his life as he has investigated many high profile cases and gangsters. He said that there is a threat to his life as various criminals arrested by him were lodged in the Taloja and Arthur Road prisons. Sharma requested the court to send him to the Thane Jail. The public prosecutor said that this is up to the prison to decide, the agency doesnt have any objections. However, the court has said that they will ask Taloja Jail Superintendent to decide and look into Sharma's claim. As per the procedure, Sharma was taken to the Taloja Jail, where Waze and the other accused are lodged.