The Mumbai police is in the process of dismissing assistant police inspector Sachin Waze from service after a report submitted by the NIA on his involvement in the planting of explosives in a Scorpio near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s residence and the subsequent murder of the vehicle owner.

“In the normal course the competent authority has to hold a departmental inquiry and get the charges proved before dismissing an officer. But in some cases, this condition can be waived if it is likely that witnesses to be examined against such an officer are afraid of him or there is threat to life to give statement against the officer because of the position held by him. So, the officer can be dismissed,” said advocate Arvind Bandiwadekar.

“We’ve received the report from NIA on Waze’s involvement and invoking of UAPA. Waze was involved in anti-national activities (planting explosives), which is enough material to proceed for his dismissal. We have started the process and are taking legal opinion,” said a senior IPS officer. Waze’s tainted past including his involvement in the custodial death of 2002 blast accused Khwaja Yunus and suspension for 17 years will also be taken into account, an official said. Sources said an internal inquiry also found Waze has illegally extorted money from people while probing high-profile cases.

Meanwhile, Republic has reported that top sources informed that Sachin Vaze's drivers were questioned by the NIA regarding the whereabouts of the suspended API during the Antilia bomb scare and the murder of Mansukh Hiren and that the drivers have allegedly admitted to Sachin Vaze driving the green Scorpio car that was found laden with gelatin sticks outside Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani's residence in South Mumbai on February 25.

Sources informed that one of Sachin Vaze's drivers allegedly confessed to the NIA of handing over the green Scorpio car to Sachin Vaze on February 17.

Under the provisions of Article 311 (2) of Constitution Mumbai police will dismiss Waze.

Article 311 deals with the dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of those employed in civil capacities under the Union or a state. Under the article, the competent authority has power to dismiss an erring officer in the larger interest. If the authority is satisfied that the official can be dismissed, they have the power to take without conducting a departmental probe.

Waze had joined the force as a state police officer in the 1990s, was suspended in 2004 following his involvement in the alleged custodial death of one Khwaja Yunus (27) in January 2003.

After repeated failed attempts to get reinstated, Waze submitted a resignation in 2007, which was not accepted. He also joined Shivsena in 2008.

Last year June, Waze was reinstated to the crime branch.

Image Source: ANI