Mumbai:Former encounter specialist Pradeep Sharma, arrested in connection with the Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases, received temporary relief from the Supreme Court on Monday. The apex court granted him interim bail for three weeks due to his wife's upcoming surgery. However, the trial court will impose specific conditions for his release.
The Supreme Court scheduled the plea for further hearing on June 26 and directed Pradeep Sharma to provide a medical report detailing his wife's treatment status. This information will be crucial in assessing the continuation of his interim bail.
Pradeep Sharma's counsel appealed for interim bail on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing his wife's deteriorating condition following a surgery. The request aimed to allow Sharma to care for her during this critical period.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati opposed the grant of bail to Pradeep Sharma in the Supreme Court.
Bombay HC's previous order and observations
The Bombay High Court had previously denied bail to Pradeep Sharma, expressing "anguish" over the investigation conducted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the case. While the HC found insufficient evidence of Sharma's involvement in planting gelatin sticks, it refused bail in the Hiran killing case, citing the possibility of his influence and witness tampering.
Antilia bomb scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases
The case stems from an explosives-laden SUV discovered near Mukesh Ambani's residence, 'Antilia,' on February 25, 2021. Mansukh Hiran, who possessed the vehicle, was later found dead in a creek in Thane on March 5, 2021. The NIA alleged that Pradeep Sharma aided his former colleague Sachin Waze, an accused in the case, in eliminating Hiran. Sharma was arrested in June 2021 and is currently in judicial custody.
