Arrest mastermind in Antilia bomb scare case: Maharashtra Minister

‘BJP trying to shield those behind Pradeep Sharma, Vaze’

Aday after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested former top Mumbai policeman Pradeep Sharma in the Antilia bomb scare case and the murder of businessman Mansukh Hiren, senior NCP leader and ​Maharashtra Rural Development Minister Hasan Mushrif alleged there was a mastermind, who was apparently controlling Mr. Sharma and assistant police inspector Sachin Vaze, who was arrested three months ago in connection with the same case. Hinting at former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh as the possible “mastermind”, Mr. Mushrif demanded his arrest while further alleging that the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was apparently trying to protect this “force” behind the two arrested policemen. “When an explosive-laden SUV was found parked outside Mukesh Ambani’s residence ‘Antilia’, I had demanded that the probe agencies arrest the mastermind in this case. While Sachin Vaze was arrested three months ago and the NIA took action against Pradeep Sharma yesterday [on Thursday], these two could not have the daring to carry out such a big racket. Another force lurks behind them which the BJP is trying to shield,” claimed Mr. Mushrif, speaking in Kolhapur.