Mumbai: The bereaved family of Hiren Mansukh refused to take his mortal remains, alleging that the police failed to hold a 'fair' investigation into the chain of incidents that culminated in his death.
The Mumbai police, earlier this week, had confirmed Mansukh as the owner of the explosive-rigged SUV which was found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's multi-storeyed home Antilia on February 25.
Mansukh, around 45 years old, had gone missing on Thursday night. The body was found on the banks of the creek along the Mumbra Reti Bunder road.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) reached the spot where the body of the victim was found and started its investigation.
It has come to light that on March 2, Mansukh sought intervention from the state government and police authorities of Maharashtra alleging harassment by policemen and news reporters. In a purported letter addressed to Maharashtra chief minister, state home minister and commissioner of police, Mansukh reportedly said that that he was unnecessarily victimized by police authorities.
"On 27 February 2021, at about 11.00 am I received phone call from Vikhroli Police station. At about 3.00 pm I also received call from Ghatkopar Police Station. On 1 March 2021, at about 4.0 p.m. I received phone call from Nagpada ATS. I was called by Mr Sachin Waze to CIU office, Mumbai as well, where I was interrogated at length and repeatedly I was asked same questions again and again. After that, officers from NIA grilled me and interrogated me. Joint C.P. Mr Bhamre also interrogated me. These interrogations from the various agencies have disturbed my peace of mind and in spite of being a victim I am treated as an accused," the letter read.
READ: 10 teams to probe case of explosives found outside Mukesh Ambani's house
Mansukh's wife on Friday in a press statement said that her husband, who was fully co-operating with the authorities in the investigation, was called by an officer Tawde of Kandivali police station for further questioning. However, Mahesh Tawde has denied the allegations claiming that he never called Hiren Mansukh.
Reacting to the opposition's criticism of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch officer Sachin Vaze, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, "A thorough investigation should be done so that the facts can come out and the culprits can be punished. If questions are raised by the Leader of the Opposition, they should be investigated. It is important to know whether Hiren Mansukh, whose body was fished out of the Thane Creek marshes, was killed or he died by suicide."
READ: SUV owner in Ambani bomb scare found dead
Raut also stated that Maharashtra ATS is investigating the Mukesh Ambani threat case and an NIA probe is not needed. Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Devendra Fadnavis had said the death of a prime witness showed that something was fishy.
READ: SUV outside Ambani home: Hiren's autopsy kept 'reserved'
(With inputs from agencies)
