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{{short description|Police Officer}}
'''Sachin Hindurao Vaze''' (born 22 February 1972) is a police officer of the Maharashtra Police Force of India. Vaze was an "encounter specialist" with the [[Mumbai Encounter Squad]] and was involved with the deaths of as many as 63 alleged criminals. He was suspended for 17 years after being arrested in the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, but was granted bail and later reinstated in June 2020. He led the Raigad police team to arrest the editor-in-chief of [[Republic TV]], [[Arnab Goswami]]. In March 2021, he was arrested in a car bomb scare case in Mumbai. Following his arrest, he was again suspended from police service.


==Biography and career==
{{EngvarB|date=September 2014}}
Sachin Vaze is originally from [[Kolhapur]] in the Indian state of [[Maharashtra]].
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox person
| name              = Sachin Vaze
| image              =  
| caption            =  
| birth_name        = Sachin Hindurao Vaze
| birth_date        = {{birth-date and age|22 February 1972}}
| birth_place        = [[Kolhapur]], [[Maharashtra]], India
| occupation        = Police officer
| organization      = [[Mumbai Police]]
| nationality        = Indian
| module            = {{Infobox police officer
| child        = yes
| department  = [[Maharashtra Police]]
| service      =
| rank        =[[File:Assistant_Police_Inspector.png|25px]] [[Inspector#India|Assistant Police Inspector (API)]]
| awards      =
| serviceyears = 1990–2004<br>2020–2021
}}
}}


Vaze joined the State Police Service in 1990 as a [[sub inspector]]. He was first posted to the terror affected area of Gadchiroli, a Naxal-affected area. In 1992 he was moved to Thane City Police. He gained immediate fame by detecting several big cases. While posted at the Muslim majority Mumbra Police Station, he was instrumental in Hindu Muslim harmony in the area. Rising to higher ranks, he went to head the Special Squad of Thane Crime Branch who started encounters in Thane and thus selected to work at the elite Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the [[Mumbai Police]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/who-is-sachin-vaze-from-trp-case-to-hrithik-kangana-spat-1779176-2021-03-14 |title=Sachin Vaze: From TRP case to Hrithik-Kangana spat, arrested cop has a long history |publisher=India Today |date=March 14, 2021|author=Mustafa Shaikh |accessdate=March 15, 2021}}</ref>
'''Sachin Hindurao Vaze''' ({{respell|Vahz|Hay}}) (born 22 February 1972) is a former Indian police officer who served as an [[Inspector#India|Assistant Police Inspector]] in [[Mumbai Police]] (under the [[Maharashtra Police]]). He was dismissed from service by Mumbai Police Commissioner under Article 311 (2) (b) without a departmental enquiry. He is currently in the custody of the [[National Investigation Agency]] for his alleged involvement in the [[Antilia bomb scare]] and the murder of Mansukh Hiren.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaikh |first1=Mustafa |title=Mansukh Hiren murder solved, claims Maharashtra ATS officer day after NIA took over probe |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mansukh-hiren-murder-maharashtra-ats-nia-case-solved-sachin-vaze-1781952-2021-03-21 |access-date=23 March 2021 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> He was a member of [[Shiv Sena]].


Vaze also dealt with counterfeit currency cases and was instrumental in dealing with cases involving film industry personalities.
Vaze is an "encounter specialist" with the [[Mumbai Encounter Squad]]. He was involved with the deaths of as many as 63 alleged criminals. He was suspended for 17 years after his arrest in the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, but was granted bail and later reinstated in June 2020. He led the [[Raigad district|Raigad]] police team in the arrest of [[Republic TV]] editor-in-chief, [[Arnab Goswami]]. In March 2021, he was arrested again for his role and involvement in the Antilla Bomb Scare. After his arrest, he was suspended once again from police service. He was dismissed from his police position on May 11, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/antilia-bomb-scare-mansukh-hiren-murder-sachin-vaze-dismissed-mumbai-police-1801397-2021-05-11|title=Antilia bomb scare case: Accused Sachin Vaze dismissed from Mumbai Police|first1=Mustafa Shaikh|last1=MumbaiMay 11|first2=2021UPDATED|last2=May 11|first3=2021 21:07|last3=Ist|website=India Today}}</ref>


Vaze had joined a regional political party [[Shiv Sena]] in 2008.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=October 5, 2008|first=Sanjeev|last=Shivadekar|title=Ex-encounter cop Vaze set to join Sena|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ex-encounter-cop-vaze-set-to-join-sena/articleshow/3563411.cms|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
==Biography==
Vaze was born on 22 February 1972 in [[Kolhapur]], [[Maharashtra]]. He joined the [[State Police Services|State Police Service]] in 1990.  He was first posted to the [[Naxalite|Naxal]]-affected area of [[Gadchiroli]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=sachin vaze: Latest News, Videos and sachin vaze Photos {{!}} Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/sachin-vaze|access-date=2021-09-23|website=The Times of India}}</ref>


==Encounters squad==
==='Encounters' squad===
His career spanned 30 years, during which Vaze became known for the "encounter killings" of 63 alleged criminals. These include notorious gangsters like Munna Nepali.<ref name="F">{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/dawood-aide-gunned-down-in-andheri/articleshow/13507022.cms?from=mdr |title=Dawood aide gunned down in Andheri |newspaper=The Times of India |date=20 June 2002|author=<!--not stated--> |accessdate= 3 June 2017}}</ref><ref name="R1RRPR">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/06/mumbai-police-encounter-squad-return |title=Mumbai's infamous police 'encounter squad' dream of comeback |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 March 2011|author=Jason Burke |accessdate= 3 June 2017}}</ref>
In 1992, Vaze was transferred to [[Thane]] City [[Police]], where he quickly gained fame for detecting several significant cases. Rising in rank, he eventually headed the Special Squad of the Thane Police and began carrying out [[Police encounter|encounters]] in the city, allegedly killing over 60 criminals in the Mumbai-Thane area.This squad, formed around 1997 to address growing extortion demands and open violence, soon became associated with 'encounters', a euphemism for [[Summary execution]]s in India where an alleged criminal is cornered and asked to surrender, but ostensibly attacks the police or attempts escape, and is shot dead in retaliation.<ref name="UAA">{{Cite web|last=Desai|first=Stavan|date=2006-01-29|title=Final Encounter?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/final-encounter/|access-date=2021-03-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>  


This squad was formed around 1997 to deal with the growing extortion demands and open violence. The squads soon came to be associated with 'encounters', a euphemism for a situation in which a gangster is cornered, asked to surrender, ostensibly attacks the police or tries to escape, and is shot dead in retaliatory action.<ref name="UAA">{{Cite web|last=Desai|first=Stavan|date=2006-01-29|title=Final Encounter?|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/final-encounter/|access-date=2021-03-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> After posting in the CIU, Vaze, along with his mentor [[Pradeep Sharma]], was transferred in the Anti Extortion Cell (AE Cell) where the AE Cell recorded its first-ever encounter.
Subsequently, Vaze was selected to work in the [[Mumbai Police]] elite Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU),<ref>{{cite web|author=Mustafa Shaikh|date=March 14, 2021|title=Sachin Vaze: From TRP case to Hrithik-Kangana spat, arrested cop has a long history|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/who-is-sachin-vaze-from-trp-case-to-hrithik-kangana-spat-1779176-2021-03-14|accessdate=March 15, 2021|publisher=India Today}}</ref> and along with his mentor [[Pradeep Sharma]], later was transferred to the Anti-[[Extortion]] Cell (AE Cell), where his first-ever encounter was recorded.


==Suspension and reinstatement==
Vaze's career spanned 30 years, during which he became known for "encounter killings" of 63 alleged criminals, including notorious gangsters like ''Munna Nepali''.<ref name="F">{{cite web|author=<!--not stated-->|date=20 June 2002|title=Dawood aide gunned down in Andheri|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/dawood-aide-gunned-down-in-andheri/articleshow/13507022.cms?from=mdr|accessdate=3 June 2017|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="R1RRPR">{{cite web|author=Jason Burke|date=6 March 2011|title=Mumbai's infamous police 'encounter squad' dream of comeback|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/mar/06/mumbai-police-encounter-squad-return|accessdate=3 June 2017|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Vaze also dealt with cases of counterfeit currency and was instrumental in dealing with cases involving film industry personalities.
On 3 March 2004, Sachin Vaze was suspended along with 14 other policemen on murder charges on the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, a suspect in the December 2, 2002 [[July 2003 Mumbai bombing|Ghatkopar bomb blast]] case. He subsequently resigned from the police on 30 November 2007 after requests for his reinstatement were rejected by the Maharashtra Government.<ref name="HIndustan Times">{{cite news |last= Sahay|first= Abhinav|date=6 June 2020|title=Khwaja Yunus murder case: Accused cop Sachin Vaze, 3 constables reinstated in Mumbai police|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/khwaja-yunus-murder-case-accused-cop-sachin-vaze-3-constables-reinstated-in-mumbai-police/story-W25k7ggw8gpvvfO1tLPXcK.html|newspaper=HIndustan Times}}</ref>


On June 6, 2020, his suspension was revoked by the Maharashtra government led by [[Uddhav Thackeray]] and was reinstated by [[Mumbai Police]] due to a shortage of police staff at the height of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra]].<ref name="Hindu">{{cite news |last= Saigal|first= Sonam|date=17 July 2020|title=Vaze, others reinstated due to acute shortage of police personnel, HC told|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/vaze-others-reinstated-due-to-acute-shortage-of-police-personnel-hc-told/article32107333.ece|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
In 2008, Vaze joined [[Shiv Sena]], a political party in [[India]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=October 5, 2008|first=Sanjeev|last=Shivadekar|title=Ex-encounter cop Vaze set to join Sena|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/ex-encounter-cop-vaze-set-to-join-sena/articleshow/3563411.cms|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>


==Technology crime==
===Suspension and reinstatement===
Sachin Waze is also mostly known for his techno and cyber skills. Always seen with modern gadgets and gizmos in his hands and pockets, Vaze is known to have solved many serious cybercrimes. He is also believed to have set up cellphone interception units as well as email tracking units of Mumbai Police. He came in limelight in 1997 when he detected international credit card fraud. This was the first time when a gang of such scamsters was arrested in Asia. Which he then continued in Mumbai too in 2001.<ref name="D">{{Cite web|url=http://wtdwtg.mid-day.com/news/2003/jul/58690.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040349/http://wtdwtg.mid-day.com/news/2003/jul/58690.htm|archivedate=6 January 2014|title=Attack of the credit card clones|website=MidDay}}</ref><ref name="I2">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/MCOCA-court-sentences-13-in-fake-currency-case/articleshow/32093928.cms MCOCA court sentences 13 in fake currency case]</ref> Many believe that this quality made the people against Vaze to embroil him in a murder case of a terrorist.<ref name="H11">[http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_cid-forced-us-to-give-false-evidence_1084711 CID forced us to give false evidence]</ref> After a rising career graph, Vaze resigned in 2007.<ref name="UAAAA">[http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIM/2007/12/01&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T Sachin Vaze quits]</ref>
On 3 March 2004, Vaze and 14 other policemen were suspended on murder charges in the custodial death of '''Khwaja Yunus''', a suspect in the 2002 [[July 2003 Mumbai bombing|Ghatkopar bombing]] case. Vaze subsequently resigned from the police in November 2007 after requests for his reinstatement were rejected by the [[Government of Maharashtra|Maharashtra Government]].<ref name="HIndustan Times">{{cite news |last= Sahay|first= Abhinav|date=6 June 2020|title=Khwaja Yunus murder case: Accused cop Sachin Vaze, 3 constables reinstated in Mumbai police|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/khwaja-yunus-murder-case-accused-cop-sachin-vaze-3-constables-reinstated-in-mumbai-police/story-W25k7ggw8gpvvfO1tLPXcK.html|newspaper=HIndustan Times}}</ref>


Vaze has come out with an innovation mobile app called – MobiCID. In a very short period MobiCID been acknowledged by various sectors in media<ref name="Tcnmt">[http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=51676&boxid=29833&ed_date=2013-09-11&ed_code=820040&ed_page=5 Gotcha! This mobile application is a real ‘net’work – DNA E-Paper 11.09.2013]</ref><ref name="Tcnnmt">[http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=51777&boxid=35162&ed_date=2013-09-13&ed_code=820040&ed_page=4 Mobile phone after James Bond – DNA E-Paper 13.09.2013]</ref><ref name="Tcnnkmt">[http://icicitrinity.com/innovation_news_New_mobile_app_mobicid_to_help_snoop_on_others_smartphones.aspx ICICI Trinity 17.09.2013]</ref><ref name="Tcknnkmt">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrLqUXV-4ko Mobile CID' Software for Womens SAFETY-TV9 30.09.2013]</ref><ref name="Cknnkmt">[http://khabar.ndtv.com/video/show/news/290279 इस एप्लिकेशन से संभव है घर बैठे फोन टैपिंग! NDTV 12.09.2013]</ref><ref name="Znkmt">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zGBhwv4V0k ABP Majha 17.09.2013]</ref>
On 6 June 2020, Vaze's suspension was revoked by the [[Maharashtra]] government led by [[Uddhav Thackeray]], and he was reinstated by [[Mumbai Police]] amid a police staff shortage at the height of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra]].<ref name="Hindu">{{cite news |last= Saigal|first= Sonam|date=17 July 2020|title=Vaze, others reinstated due to acute shortage of police personnel, HC told|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/vaze-others-reinstated-due-to-acute-shortage-of-police-personnel-hc-told/article32107333.ece|newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref>
Nationalist Congress Party President [[Sharad Pawar]] said that neither Thackeray nor the state home minister [[Anil Deshmukh]] were responsible for the reinstatement.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/param-birs-claims-serious-need-probe-sharad-pawar/20210321.htm| title=Param Bir's claims serious, focus on Deshmukh's replacement: Pawar| author=Utkarsh Mishra| date=March 21, 2021| via=PTI}}</ref>


== Mukesh Ambani bomb scare case ==
In a press conference, Maharashtra ex-[[Chief minister of Maharashtra|CM]] [[Devendra Fadnavis]] claimed that when he was Chief Minister of [[Maharashtra]] in 2018, [[Shiv Sena]] asked him to reinstate Vaze, which he disposed after consulting the state Advocate General.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mohapatra|first=Anurag|date=2021-03-14|title=From Encounter Specialist To Accuse In 25th February Antilia Case, Who Is Sachin Vaze - News Odisha Online|url=https://newsodihaonline.com/who-is-sachin-vaze/|access-date=2021-03-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
On February 25, 2021, a Scorpio SUV vehicle with fake licence plates filled with gelatin sticks was placed outside industrialist [[Mukesh Ambani|Mukesh Ambani']]<nowiki/>s residence [[Antilia (building)|Antilia]] in Mumbai<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 9, 2021|first=Divyesh|last=Singh|title=Mukesh Ambani bomb threat: CCTV captures suspect parking explosive-laden SUV, man wore PPE kit|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/suspect-caught-on-cctv-explosives-laden-suv-mukesh-ambani-antilia-1777188-2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>. The owner of the car, Mansukh Hiren, who had filed a police complaint about the SUV being stolen was later found dead on March 5, 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 7, 2021|title=Ambani bomb scare: ATS registers murder case into SUV owner's death|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mumbai-suv-owner-death-ats-registers-murder-case/articleshow/81377960.cms|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>. The leader of opposition of Maharashtra, [[Devendra Fadnavis]] demanded the arrest of Sachin Vaze for the alleged murder of Mansukh Hiren.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mumbai bomb scare: Devendra Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze in Mansukh Hiren death case|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-news/article/mumbai-bomb-scare-devendra-fadnavis-demands-arrest-of-police-officer-sachin-vaze-in-mansukh-hiren-death-case/730101|access-date=2021-03-09|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref> Fadnavis claimed that Mansukh Hiren's wife suspects that Sachin Vaze killed her husband.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Mumbai bomb scare: Devendra Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze in Mansukh Hiren death case|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-news/article/mumbai-bomb-scare-devendra-fadnavis-demands-arrest-of-police-officer-sachin-vaze-in-mansukh-hiren-death-case/730101|access-date=2021-03-09|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref> Fadnavis also claimed that the last known location of Mansukh Hiren's phone was near Shiv Sena leader Dhananjay Gawde's office.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 9, 2021|first1=Kamlesh Damodar|last1=Sutar|first2=Mustafa|last2=Shaikh|title=Mukesh Ambani bomb scare: Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mukesh-ambani-bomb-scare-fadnavis-demands-arrest-of-police-officer-sachin-vaze-1777228-2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Three days before his death, Mansukh Hiren, had written a letter, accusing the police of harassment. He was found dead in a creek near Thane on March 5, 2021.


Vaze applied for interim relief, which was rejected by the Sessions court in Thane. After questioning him for over 12 hours, he was arrested by [[National Investigation Agency]] on 13 March for his role and involvement in placing the explosives-laden vehicle near Carmichael Road on February 25.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ambani-security-scare-nia-arrests-mumbai-cop-sachin-vaze-7227235/|title=Ambani security scare: NIA arrests Mumbai cop Sachin Vaze|work=The Indian Express|date=14 March 2021|location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/full-blown-political-slugfest-over-sachin-vaze-in-maharashtra-226018|title=Full-blown political slugfest over Sachin Vaze in Maharashtra|work=Tribune News Service|date=16 March 2021}}</ref> The NIA searched his office and seized documents and electronic devices. They also seized a Mercedes car that was being used by Waze, which contained ₹5 lakh cash, a counting machine and the original licence plates of the Scorpio. An Assistant Police Inspector Riyazuddin Kazi is being investigated who had removed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of CCTVs from the housing society in Thane where he lived.<ref>{{cite web|author=Manish Pathak, Anamika Gharat|date=March 17, 2021|title=After raid at Vaze’s office, NIA says he hid evidence|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-raid-at-vaze-s-office-nia-says-he-hid-evidence-101615918684364.html|url-status=live|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
===Technology crime===
Vaze is also known for his technology and cyber skills. Frequently seen with modern electronics in his hands and pockets, Vaze is known to have solved many serious cybercrimes. He is also believed to have established cellphone interception units and [[email]] tracking units of [[Mumbai Police]]. Vaze came into the limelight in 1997 when he detected international [[credit card fraud]], which was the first time that a gang of such swindlers was arrested in [[Asia]]. Vaze continued this effort in [[Mumbai]] in 2001.<ref name="D">{{Cite web|date=2003-07-16|title=Attack of the credit card clones|url=http://wtdwtg.mid-day.com/news/2003/jul/58690.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040349/http://wtdwtg.mid-day.com/news/2003/jul/58690.htm|archive-date=6 January 2014|website=wtdwtg.mid-day.com}}</ref><ref name="I2">{{Cite web|date=2002-12-22|title=MCOCA court sentences 13 in fake currency case|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/mcoca-court-sentences-13-in-fake-currency-case/articleshow/32093928.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> There was conjecture that Vaze was framed in the Khwaja Yunus murder case.<ref name="H11">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-cid-forced-us-to-give-false-evidence-1084711|title='CID forced us to give false evidence'|first=Mayura|last=Janwalkar|date=14 March 2007|website=DNA India}}</ref> Vaze resigned in 2007.<ref name="UAAAA">{{Cite web|last1=Ali|first1=Ahmed|last2=Hafeez|first2=Mateen|date=2007-12-01|title=Cop accused of killing Khwaja Yunus quits - Sachin Vaze Feels 'Let Down' By A Part Of The Force; Yunus's Kin Say This Wasn't The Justice They Were Looking For|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIM/2007/12/01&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120614122649/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=pastissues2&BaseHref=TOIM%2F2007%2F12%2F01&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00200&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T|archive-date=2012-06-04|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


==Books, publications, movies==
Vaze also came out with an innovative mobile application called MobiCID. In short order, MobiCID gained the attention of various media sectors.<ref name="Tcknnkmt">{{Cite web|title=- YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrLqUXV-4ko|access-date=2021-03-23|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links}}</ref><ref name="Cknnkmt">{{Cite web|date=2013-09-12|title=इस एप्लिकेशन से संभव है घर बैठे फोन टैपिंग!|trans-title=Tapping the phone sitting at home is possible from this app!|url=https://ndtv.in/videos/video-story-290279|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-23|website=ndtv.in}}</ref><ref name="Znkmt">{{Cite web|title=- YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zGBhwv4V0k|access-date=2021-03-23|website=www.youtube.com}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links}}</ref>
While in service Vaze was instrumental in forming new rules, manuals, directives etc for Maharashtra Police. After resigning from service Vaze participated in television debates, and published articles in newspapers and periodicals.<ref name="RsDCR">[http://epaper.pudhari.com/epapermain.aspx?queryed=17&eddate=12%2f25%2f2008&querypage=4 "समन्वयाचा अभाव : सुरक्षायन्त्रणेतील दोष" – पुढारी] </ref><ref name="RsDCbxR">[https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/we-the-people/we-the-people-encounter-ing-the-truth-283059 "We The People: Encounter-ing the truth"-[[Barkha Dutt]] [[NDTV]]]</ref> He has also been publishing articles on Cyber Crime issues.  
 
== 2021 Antilia bomb scare case ==
{{main|Antilia bomb scare}}
On February 25, 2021, a [[Mahindra Scorpio]] SUV with fake license plates and around 20 explosive gelatin sticks was parked outside Mumbai businessman [[Mukesh Ambani|Mukesh Ambani's]] residence [[Antilia (building)|Antilia]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 9, 2021|first=Divyesh|last=Singh|title=Mukesh Ambani bomb threat: CCTV captures suspect parking explosive-laden SUV, man wore PPE kit|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/suspect-caught-on-cctv-explosives-laden-suv-mukesh-ambani-antilia-1777188-2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Vaze was the first investigating officer in the bomb-scare case.<ref name="reconstruction" /> The presumed car owner, Mansukh Hiren, who had filed a police complaint about the SUV being stolen, was later found dead in a creek near [[Thane]] on March 5, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 7, 2021|title=Ambani bomb scare: ATS registers murder case into SUV owner's death|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/mumbai-suv-owner-death-ats-registers-murder-case/articleshow/81377960.cms|access-date=2021-03-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Three days before his death, Hiren had written a letter accusing the police of harassment. The leader of opposition of Maharashtra, [[Devendra Fadnavis]] demanded the arrest of Vaze for Hiren's alleged murder.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-09|title=Mumbai bomb scare: Devendra Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze in Mansukh Hiren death case|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/maharashtra-news/article/mumbai-bomb-scare-devendra-fadnavis-demands-arrest-of-police-officer-sachin-vaze-in-mansukh-hiren-death-case/730101|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-09|website=www.timesnownews.com|language=en}}</ref> Fadnavis claimed that Hiren's wife suspected that Vaze killed her husband.<ref name=":1"/><ref>{{Cite web|date=March 9, 2021|first1=Kamlesh Damodar|last1=Sutar|first2=Mustafa|last2=Shaikh|title=Mukesh Ambani bomb scare: Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/mukesh-ambani-bomb-scare-fadnavis-demands-arrest-of-police-officer-sachin-vaze-1777228-2021-03-09|access-date=2021-03-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
 
Vaze applied for interim relief, but was rejected by the [[Sessions Court|Sessions court]] in Thane. After over 12 hours of questioning, he was arrested by [[National Investigation Agency]] on March 13 for his involvement in placing the explosives-laden vehicle near [[Carmichael Road]] on February 25.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rajput|first=Sagar|date=14 March 2021|title=Ambani security scare: NIA arrests Mumbai cop Sachin Vaze|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ambani-security-scare-nia-arrests-mumbai-cop-sachin-vaze-7227235/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|work=[[The Indian Express]]|location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sharma|first=Vibha|date=16 March 2021|title=Full-blown political slugfest over Sachin Vaze in Maharashtra|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/full-blown-political-slugfest-over-sachin-vaze-in-maharashtra-226018|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|work=[[Tribune News Service]]}}</ref> The NIA searched Vaze's office, seizing documents, electronic devices, and a [[Mercedes-Benz|Mercedes]] vehicle being used by Vaze, which contained ₹500,000 cash, a cash-counting machine and the original license plates of the Scorpio found earlier near [[Antilia (building)|Antilia]].
Assistant [[Sub-inspector|Sub-Inspector]] of Police Sunil Toke claimed that Vaze drove the seized Mercedes car into the Commissionerate of Police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tv9marathi.com/maharashtra/mumbai/scorpio-was-in-custody-of-sachin-waze-he-also-destroy-cctv-footage-419282.html|title=मोठा खुलासा! स्कॉर्पिओ चोरी झालीच नव्हती, वाझेंकडेच होती; सीसीटीव्ही फुटेजमधून 'कार'नामे उघड?|first=TV9|last=Marathi|date=16 March 2021|website=TV9 Marathi}}</ref> An Assistant Police Inspector Riyazuddin Kazi was investigated who had removed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of CCTVs from the housing society where Vaze lived in Thane.<ref>{{cite web|author=Manish Pathak, Anamika Gharat|date=March 17, 2021|title=After raid at Vaze's office, NIA says he hid evidence|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-raid-at-vaze-s-office-nia-says-he-hid-evidence-101615918684364.html|url-status=live|publisher=Hindustan Times}}</ref>As part of reconstructing the sequence of events, Vaze was made to walk near the spot where the SUV was found.<ref name="reconstruction">{{cite web| url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/arrested-cop-sachin-vaze-made-to-walk-near-mukesh-ambanis-residence-antilia-in-scene-reconstruction-sources-2394901| title=Arrested Cop Made To Walk Near Antilia In Scene Reconstruction: Sources| author=Sunil Kumar Singh, Debanish Achom| date=March 20, 2021| publisher=NDTV}}</ref>
 
In a 21 March 2021 statement, the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad named Vaze as the prime suspect in Mansukh Hiran’s murder case. ATS has arrested cricket bookie Naresh Ramniklal Ghor and police officer Vinayak Balasaheb Shinde, who worked with Vaze, for their involvement.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Yadav|first1=Vijay Kumar|last2=Gharat|first2=Anamika|date=22 March 2021|title=Mansukh Hiran murder mystery solved, Sachin Vaze the prime accused, says Maharashtra ATS|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/mansukh-hiran-murder-mystery-solved-sachin-vaze-the-prime-accused-says-maharashtra-ats-101616356727335.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 2, 2021|title=CCTV footage shows Sachin Vaze driving with accused Shinde in an Audi|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/west/cctv-footage-shows-sachin-vaze-driving-with-accused-shinde-in-an-audi-969338.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[Deccan Herald]]}}</ref> Officer Shinde had allegedly asked Hiren to meet him at [[Ghodbunder Road]]. Shinde was a constable in the same crime branch unit where Vaze was posted, and was already serving a life sentence after being convicted in the fake encounter case of ''Lakhan Bhaiyya,'' but was out on furlough. On 11 May 2021, he was officially dismissed from the Mumbai police.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sachin Waze, Accused In Ambani Security Scare Case, Sacked By Mumbai Police|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/sachin-waze-accused-in-ambani-security-scare-case-sacked-by-mumbai-police-2439727|access-date=2021-05-11|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>
 
===Extortion allegation===
Vaze's supervisor, [[Param Bir Singh]], who had worked closely with him, was removed from his post of Mumbai Police Commissioner. Singh claimed, in a detailed letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, that Vaze was involved in a scheme to collect [[Indian rupee sign|₹]]100 [[Crore]] from businesses in Mumbai per month as demanded by the Maharashtra home minister [[Anil Deshmukh]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/param-bir-singh-letter-maharashtra-cm-uddhav-thackeray-full-text-1781642-2021-03-20|title=Full text of ex-Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh's sensational letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray|first1=India Today Web Desk|last1=MumbaiMarch 20|first2=2021UPDATED|last2=March 20|first3=2021 19:51|last3=Ist|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shaikh|first=Zeeshan|date=21 March 2021|title=Anil Deshmukh: Rise and slow eclipse of leader who helmed ministry in many a govt|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/anil-deshmukh-minister-in-eye-of-storm-7237706/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=indianexpress.com}}</ref> Deshmukh's office denied the claim and stated that Param Bir Singh made false allegations against him to save himself from legal action.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 March 2021|editor-last=Chaturvedi|editor-first=Amit|title=Param Bir Singh alleges Deshmukh asked Vaze to extort ₹100 cr; minister denies|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maharashtra-home-minister-anil-deshmukh-rubbishes-param-bir-singh-s-extortion-claims-101616248976454.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tv9hindi.com/state/maharashtra/former-mumbai-commissioner-parmbir-singh-letter-raised-several-questions-on-anil-deshmukh-587280.html|title=क्या मनसुख हिरेन केस NIA के पास जाने से महाराष्ट्र की राजनीति में मची हलचल?|first=TV9|last=Hindi|date=21 March 2021|website=TV9 Hindi}}</ref>
Devendra Fadnavis claimed that Vaze and Param Bir Singh were just pawns in the hands of the current [[Maha Vikas Aghadi]] (a coalition of [[Nationalist Congress Party|NCP]], [[Shiv Sena]] and [[Indian National Congress]]) state government.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-18|title=Fadnavis: Mansukh Hiren was murdered, top cops buried evidence to save political bosses in Ambani case|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/fadnavis-mansukh-hiren-was-murdered-top-cops-buried-evidence-to-save-political-bosses-in-ambani-case/articleshow/81562049.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[Mumbai Mirror]]}}</ref> Param Bir Singh asked the Supreme Court on March 22 for a [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] probe against Deshmukh, claiming interference by him in police investigations.<ref>[Ex-Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh moves SC for CBI probe against Deshmukh, Utkarsh Anand, Hindustan Times, March 22, 2021]</ref>
 
Mumbai-based [[newspaper]] Mid-day has learned from members of Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) that Vaze had started collecting money from December 2020. Vaze would call from his office inside the compound of the Commissioner of Police office to pay monthly amounts and if paid, he would ensure that Social Service Branch would not conduct any raids. It reported a source stating that "SSB carried out raids at hotels and bars and filed cases. The last SSB raid was in early February. After that, no raid was conducted as everybody agreed to pay the money to be able to operate."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jore|first=Dharmendra|date=22 March 2021|title=Sharad Pawar to meet Uddhav Thackeray, decision on Anil Deshmukh today|url=https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/sharad-pawar-to-meet-uddhav-thackeray-decision-on-anil-deshmukh-today-23164814|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=www.mid-day.com}}</ref>


In the [[Marathi language|Marathi]] film ''[[Rege]]''(2014) one character is inspired and named after him which is played by [[Pushkar Shrotri]].
===Alleged Wealth===


Vaze is the author of Jinkun Harleli Ladhaai -<ref name="RsDCvR">[http://www.jinkunharleliladhai.com/ "जिंकून हरलेली लढाई "]</ref> the Marathi bestseller book on 26/11 Mumbai attacks and also source and advisor of many books projects such as [[Hussain Zaidi]]  written Headley & I, My Name is Abu Salem, Byculla to Bangkok, [[Adrian Levy]] written The Siege.<ref name="RsDcCR">"[[The Siege: The Attack on the Taj]]"</ref>
He is alleged to own 8 cars and a sports bike. His Thane apartment is said to be worth a crore rupees. His monthly salary has been about 70,000 Rs. per month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/maharashtra/news/sachin-waze-antilia-case-assistant-police-inspector-dismissed-by-mumbai-police-128482834.html|title=एंटीलिया केस में कार्रवाई: जेल में बंद मुंबई पुलिस का API सचिन वझे सेवा से बर्खास्त, मनसुख हिरेन की हत्या का भी आरोप|date=11 May 2021|website=Dainik Bhaskar}}</ref>


Vaze has also authored a bestseller book The Scout.<ref name="RsDCiKvR">[https://www.bloomsbury.com/author/sachin-waze/ "Bloomsbury - Sachin Waze]</ref> The book traces the journey of David Headley, son of a Pakistani aristocrat and an American mother who easily straddled both the Islamic and the western worlds. It is a tale of deception and deceit, of audacity and ingenuity and a detailed account of a man who coldly and systematically conducted a series of reconnaissance missions that perfected the deadliest terrorist attack ever on Indian soil and left some of Mumbai’s signature destinations scarred forever. <ref name="RskDCR">[https://www.amazon.in/The-Scout-Definitive-Account-Headley/dp/938543666X "The Scout: The Definitive Account of David Headley and the Mumbai Attacks]</ref><ref name="RskDjCR">[http://www.mid-day.com/articles/david-headleys-heist-plan-and-how-let-dumped-him/17044186 "David Headley's heist plan and how LeT dumped him]</ref><ref name="RskkDjCR">[https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/crime/Why-nobody-looked-for-David-Headleys-Mumbai-contact/articleshow/51655818.cms "WHY NOBODY LOOKED FOR DAVID HEADLEY’S MUMBAI CONTACT]</ref><ref name="RskDajCR">[https://scroll.in/article/806045/how-daood-gilani-aka-david-coleman-headley-prepared-for-26-11 "How Daood Gilani aka David Coleman Headley prepared for 26/11]</ref>He has been a researcher, advisor and contributor to various leading newspapers, tv channels as well as online portals.<ref name="RsDCKvR">[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2351351.cms "Bhais speak differently now"]</ref>
==Books, publications, movies==
While in service Vaze was instrumental in forming new rules, manuals, and directives for Maharashtra Police. After resigning from service Vaze participated in television debates, and published articles in newspapers and periodicals.<ref name="RsDCbxR">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/we-the-people/we-the-people-encounter-ing-the-truth-283059|title=Video &#124; We The People: Encounter-ing the truth|via=www.ndtv.com}}</ref> He has also been publishing articles on cyber crime issues. He has been a researcher, advisor and contributor to various leading newspapers, tv channels as well as online portals.<ref name="RsDCKvR">{{Cite web|last=Tanna|first=Ketan|date=2007-09-09|title=Bhais speak differently now|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bhais-speak-differently-now/articleshow/2351351.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> He was the creator of the first social networking portal in Marathi, laibhaari.com, a Marathi version of Facebook. The portal put on test run on 4 November 2010 and had a membership figure of more than 15,000 till it formally launched on 21 November 2010.<ref name="RmR1">{{Cite web|date=2010-11-25|title=मराठीचे 'लई भारी' पाऊल|trans-title=Marathi's 'Lai Bhari' step|url=https://maharashtratimes.com/maharashtra/mumbai-news/-/articleshow/6984915.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-23|website=[[Maharashtra Times]]}}</ref><ref name="R8RRnm1w">{{Cite web|date=2011-07-29|title='मराठमोळं फेसबुक|trans-title=Marathamol Facebook!|url=http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20110729/5020649418780878193.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123171050/http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20110729/5020649418780878193.htm|archive-date=2011-11-23|website=esakal.com}}</ref>  


Vaze has also authored Sheena Bora-the murder that shook India. The book is the first-ever comprehensive account of the gruesome murder that became a national obsession and shook us to the core.<ref name="RsDmCKvR">[https://penguin.co.in/book/uncategorized/sheena-bora/ "Sheena Bora-the murder that shook India"]</ref><ref name="RsDfmCKvR">[https://penguin.co.in/author/sachin-waze/ "Sachin Waze Penguin India"]</ref>
Vaze is the author of ''Jinkun Harleli Ladhaai'' (Winning and losing battle) in Marathi, an account of the [[2008 Mumbai attacks|26/11 Mumbai attacks]].<ref name="RsDCvR">{{Cite web|title="जिंकून हरलेली लढाई "|trans-title=Winning and losing battle|url=http://www.jinkunharleliladhai.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820121327/http://www.jinkunharleliladhai.com/|archive-date=2012-08-20|website=jinkunharleliladhai.com}}</ref> He also wrote ''Sheena Bora - The Murder That Shook India'', about the [[Sheena Bora murder case]] in Mumbai.<ref name="RsDmCKvR">{{Cite book|last=Waze|first=Sachin|url=https://penguin.co.in/book/uncategorized/sheena-bora/|title=Sheena Bora - The Murder that shook India|date=2018-08-17|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-0143428459|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628232215/https://penguin.co.in/book/uncategorized/sheena-bora/|archive-date=28 June 2018}}</ref>


==Marathi Facebook==
He has served as a source and advisor on books projects by [[Hussain Zaidi]] (''Headley & I'', ''My Name is Abu Salem'', ''[[Byculla to Bangkok]]''), [[Adrian Levy]] and Shirish Thorat (''The Scout: The Definitive Account of David Headley and the Mumbai Attacks'').<ref name="RskDCR2">{{Cite book|last=Thorat|first=Shirish|title=The Scout: The Definitive Account of David Headley and the Mumbai Attacks|publisher=[[Bloomsbury]]|year=2001|isbn=978-9385436666}}</ref>
Vaze is also the brain behind and creator of the first social networking portal in Marathi. लई भारी www.laibhaari.com is the Marathi version of Facebook. The portal put on a test run on 4 November 2010 and had a membership figure of 15000+ till formally launched on 21 November 2010.<ref name="RmR1">[http://maharashtratimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6984915.cms "मराठीचे लई भारी पाऊल – Maharashtra Times 25.11.2010"]</ref><ref name="RmR1w">[http://epaper.pudhari.com/details.aspx?ID=138353&boxid=23382213&pgno=9&u_name=0 मराठीतील फेसबुक लई भारी – पुढारी २६.११.२०१०]</ref><ref name="RRRnm1w">[http://www.loksatta.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=176161:2011-08-11-18-49-03&catid=44:2009-07-15-04-01-11&Itemid=212 ‘लई भारी’... अस्सल मराठी ‘फेसुबक’ ची सायबरविश्वात धम्माल! – लोकसत्ता ११.०८.२०११]</ref><ref name="R8RRnm1w">[http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20110729/5020649418780878193.htm ‘मराठमोळं फेसबुक – सकाळ २९.०७.२०११]</ref>
 
Vaze was portrayed by [[Pushkar Shrotri]] in the 2014 Indian [[Marathi language|Marathi]]-language crime-thriller film ''[[Rege]]''.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Waze, Sachin}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Vaze, Sachin}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Police officers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:1972 births]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian politicians]]
[[Category:Indian police officers]]
[[Category:People from Kolhapur]]
[[Category:People from Kolhapur]]
[[Category:Police officers from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Shiv Sena politicians]]
[[Category:Shiv Sena politicians]]
[[Category:Marathi politicians]]
[[Category:Marathi politicians]]
[[Category:Maharashtra politicians]]
[[Category:Maharashtra politicians]]

Latest revision as of 00:45, 3 January 2022


Sachin Vaze
Born
Sachin Hindurao Vaze

22 February 1972 (1972-02-22) (age 53)
Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
NationalityIndian
OccupationPolice officer
OrganizationMumbai Police
Police career
DepartmentMaharashtra Police
Service years1990–2004
2020–2021
RankAssistant Police Inspector.png Assistant Police Inspector (API)
2=

Sachin Hindurao Vaze (Vahz-Hay) (born 22 February 1972) is a former Indian police officer who served as an Assistant Police Inspector in Mumbai Police (under the Maharashtra Police). He was dismissed from service by Mumbai Police Commissioner under Article 311 (2) (b) without a departmental enquiry. He is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency for his alleged involvement in the Antilia bomb scare and the murder of Mansukh Hiren.[1] He was a member of Shiv Sena.

Vaze is an "encounter specialist" with the Mumbai Encounter Squad. He was involved with the deaths of as many as 63 alleged criminals. He was suspended for 17 years after his arrest in the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, but was granted bail and later reinstated in June 2020. He led the Raigad police team in the arrest of Republic TV editor-in-chief, Arnab Goswami. In March 2021, he was arrested again for his role and involvement in the Antilla Bomb Scare. After his arrest, he was suspended once again from police service. He was dismissed from his police position on May 11, 2021.[2]

Biography[edit]

Vaze was born on 22 February 1972 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. He joined the State Police Service in 1990. He was first posted to the Naxal-affected area of Gadchiroli.[3]

'Encounters' squad[edit]

In 1992, Vaze was transferred to Thane City Police, where he quickly gained fame for detecting several significant cases. Rising in rank, he eventually headed the Special Squad of the Thane Police and began carrying out encounters in the city, allegedly killing over 60 criminals in the Mumbai-Thane area.This squad, formed around 1997 to address growing extortion demands and open violence, soon became associated with 'encounters', a euphemism for Summary executions in India where an alleged criminal is cornered and asked to surrender, but ostensibly attacks the police or attempts escape, and is shot dead in retaliation.[4]

Subsequently, Vaze was selected to work in the Mumbai Police elite Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU),[5] and along with his mentor Pradeep Sharma, later was transferred to the Anti-Extortion Cell (AE Cell), where his first-ever encounter was recorded.

Vaze's career spanned 30 years, during which he became known for "encounter killings" of 63 alleged criminals, including notorious gangsters like Munna Nepali.[6][7] Vaze also dealt with cases of counterfeit currency and was instrumental in dealing with cases involving film industry personalities.

In 2008, Vaze joined Shiv Sena, a political party in India.[8]

Suspension and reinstatement[edit]

On 3 March 2004, Vaze and 14 other policemen were suspended on murder charges in the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, a suspect in the 2002 Ghatkopar bombing case. Vaze subsequently resigned from the police in November 2007 after requests for his reinstatement were rejected by the Maharashtra Government.[9]

On 6 June 2020, Vaze's suspension was revoked by the Maharashtra government led by Uddhav Thackeray, and he was reinstated by Mumbai Police amid a police staff shortage at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra.[10] Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar said that neither Thackeray nor the state home minister Anil Deshmukh were responsible for the reinstatement.[11]

In a press conference, Maharashtra ex-CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed that when he was Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 2018, Shiv Sena asked him to reinstate Vaze, which he disposed after consulting the state Advocate General.[12]

Technology crime[edit]

Vaze is also known for his technology and cyber skills. Frequently seen with modern electronics in his hands and pockets, Vaze is known to have solved many serious cybercrimes. He is also believed to have established cellphone interception units and email tracking units of Mumbai Police. Vaze came into the limelight in 1997 when he detected international credit card fraud, which was the first time that a gang of such swindlers was arrested in Asia. Vaze continued this effort in Mumbai in 2001.[13][14] There was conjecture that Vaze was framed in the Khwaja Yunus murder case.[15] Vaze resigned in 2007.[16]

Vaze also came out with an innovative mobile application called MobiCID. In short order, MobiCID gained the attention of various media sectors.[17][18][19]

2021 Antilia bomb scare case[edit]

Main article: Antilia bomb scare

On February 25, 2021, a Mahindra Scorpio SUV with fake license plates and around 20 explosive gelatin sticks was parked outside Mumbai businessman Mukesh Ambani's residence Antilia.[20] Vaze was the first investigating officer in the bomb-scare case.[21] The presumed car owner, Mansukh Hiren, who had filed a police complaint about the SUV being stolen, was later found dead in a creek near Thane on March 5, 2021.[22] Three days before his death, Hiren had written a letter accusing the police of harassment. The leader of opposition of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis demanded the arrest of Vaze for Hiren's alleged murder.[23] Fadnavis claimed that Hiren's wife suspected that Vaze killed her husband.[23][24]

Vaze applied for interim relief, but was rejected by the Sessions court in Thane. After over 12 hours of questioning, he was arrested by National Investigation Agency on March 13 for his involvement in placing the explosives-laden vehicle near Carmichael Road on February 25.[25][26] The NIA searched Vaze's office, seizing documents, electronic devices, and a Mercedes vehicle being used by Vaze, which contained ₹500,000 cash, a cash-counting machine and the original license plates of the Scorpio found earlier near Antilia. Assistant Sub-Inspector of Police Sunil Toke claimed that Vaze drove the seized Mercedes car into the Commissionerate of Police.[27] An Assistant Police Inspector Riyazuddin Kazi was investigated who had removed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) of CCTVs from the housing society where Vaze lived in Thane.[28]As part of reconstructing the sequence of events, Vaze was made to walk near the spot where the SUV was found.[21]

In a 21 March 2021 statement, the Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad named Vaze as the prime suspect in Mansukh Hiran’s murder case. ATS has arrested cricket bookie Naresh Ramniklal Ghor and police officer Vinayak Balasaheb Shinde, who worked with Vaze, for their involvement.[29][30] Officer Shinde had allegedly asked Hiren to meet him at Ghodbunder Road. Shinde was a constable in the same crime branch unit where Vaze was posted, and was already serving a life sentence after being convicted in the fake encounter case of Lakhan Bhaiyya, but was out on furlough. On 11 May 2021, he was officially dismissed from the Mumbai police.[31]

Extortion allegation[edit]

Vaze's supervisor, Param Bir Singh, who had worked closely with him, was removed from his post of Mumbai Police Commissioner. Singh claimed, in a detailed letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, that Vaze was involved in a scheme to collect ₹100 Crore from businesses in Mumbai per month as demanded by the Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh.[32][33] Deshmukh's office denied the claim and stated that Param Bir Singh made false allegations against him to save himself from legal action.[34][35] Devendra Fadnavis claimed that Vaze and Param Bir Singh were just pawns in the hands of the current Maha Vikas Aghadi (a coalition of NCP, Shiv Sena and Indian National Congress) state government.[36] Param Bir Singh asked the Supreme Court on March 22 for a CBI probe against Deshmukh, claiming interference by him in police investigations.[37]

Mumbai-based newspaper Mid-day has learned from members of Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) that Vaze had started collecting money from December 2020. Vaze would call from his office inside the compound of the Commissioner of Police office to pay monthly amounts and if paid, he would ensure that Social Service Branch would not conduct any raids. It reported a source stating that "SSB carried out raids at hotels and bars and filed cases. The last SSB raid was in early February. After that, no raid was conducted as everybody agreed to pay the money to be able to operate."[38]

Alleged Wealth[edit]

He is alleged to own 8 cars and a sports bike. His Thane apartment is said to be worth a crore rupees. His monthly salary has been about 70,000 Rs. per month.[39]

Books, publications, movies[edit]

While in service Vaze was instrumental in forming new rules, manuals, and directives for Maharashtra Police. After resigning from service Vaze participated in television debates, and published articles in newspapers and periodicals.[40] He has also been publishing articles on cyber crime issues. He has been a researcher, advisor and contributor to various leading newspapers, tv channels as well as online portals.[41] He was the creator of the first social networking portal in Marathi, laibhaari.com, a Marathi version of Facebook. The portal put on test run on 4 November 2010 and had a membership figure of more than 15,000 till it formally launched on 21 November 2010.[42][43]

Vaze is the author of Jinkun Harleli Ladhaai (Winning and losing battle) in Marathi, an account of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.[44] He also wrote Sheena Bora - The Murder That Shook India, about the Sheena Bora murder case in Mumbai.[45]

He has served as a source and advisor on books projects by Hussain Zaidi (Headley & I, My Name is Abu Salem, Byculla to Bangkok), Adrian Levy and Shirish Thorat (The Scout: The Definitive Account of David Headley and the Mumbai Attacks).[46]

Vaze was portrayed by Pushkar Shrotri in the 2014 Indian Marathi-language crime-thriller film Rege.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Shaikh, Mustafa. "Mansukh Hiren murder solved, claims Maharashtra ATS officer day after NIA took over probe". India Today. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  2. ↑ MumbaiMay 11, Mustafa Shaikh; May 11, 2021UPDATED; Ist, 2021 21:07. "Antilia bomb scare case: Accused Sachin Vaze dismissed from Mumbai Police". India Today.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "sachin vaze: Latest News, Videos and sachin vaze Photos | Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  4. ↑ Desai, Stavan (29 January 2006). "Final Encounter?". The Indian Express. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  5. ↑ Mustafa Shaikh (14 March 2021). "Sachin Vaze: From TRP case to Hrithik-Kangana spat, arrested cop has a long history". India Today. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  6. ↑ "Dawood aide gunned down in Andheri". The Times of India. 20 June 2002. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  7. ↑ Jason Burke (6 March 2011). "Mumbai's infamous police 'encounter squad' dream of comeback". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 June 2017.
  8. ↑ Shivadekar, Sanjeev (5 October 2008). "Ex-encounter cop Vaze set to join Sena". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  9. ↑ Sahay, Abhinav (6 June 2020). "Khwaja Yunus murder case: Accused cop Sachin Vaze, 3 constables reinstated in Mumbai police". HIndustan Times.
  10. ↑ Saigal, Sonam (17 July 2020). "Vaze, others reinstated due to acute shortage of police personnel, HC told". The Hindu.
  11. ↑ Utkarsh Mishra (21 March 2021). "Param Bir's claims serious, focus on Deshmukh's replacement: Pawar" – via PTI.
  12. ↑ Mohapatra, Anurag (14 March 2021). "From Encounter Specialist To Accuse In 25th February Antilia Case, Who Is Sachin Vaze - News Odisha Online". Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  13. ↑ "Attack of the credit card clones". wtdwtg.mid-day.com. 16 July 2003. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014.
  14. ↑ "MCOCA court sentences 13 in fake currency case". The Times of India. 22 December 2002. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ↑ Janwalkar, Mayura (14 March 2007). "'CID forced us to give false evidence'". DNA India.
  16. ↑ Ali, Ahmed; Hafeez, Mateen (1 December 2007). "Cop accused of killing Khwaja Yunus quits - Sachin Vaze Feels 'Let Down' By A Part Of The Force; Yunus's Kin Say This Wasn't The Justice They Were Looking For". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2021. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch (help)
  17. ↑ "- YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 23 March 2021.Template:Dead Youtube links
  18. ↑ "इस एप्लिकेशन से संभव है घर बैठे फोन टैपिंग!" [Tapping the phone sitting at home is possible from this app!]. ndtv.in. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  19. ↑ "- YouTube". www.youtube.com. Retrieved 23 March 2021.Template:Dead Youtube links
  20. ↑ Singh, Divyesh (9 March 2021). "Mukesh Ambani bomb threat: CCTV captures suspect parking explosive-laden SUV, man wore PPE kit". India Today. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sunil Kumar Singh, Debanish Achom (20 March 2021). "Arrested Cop Made To Walk Near Antilia In Scene Reconstruction: Sources". NDTV.
  22. ↑ "Ambani bomb scare: ATS registers murder case into SUV owner's death". The Times of India. 7 March 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Mumbai bomb scare: Devendra Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze in Mansukh Hiren death case". www.timesnownews.com. 9 March 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. ↑ Sutar, Kamlesh Damodar; Shaikh, Mustafa (9 March 2021). "Mukesh Ambani bomb scare: Fadnavis demands arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze". India Today. Retrieved 9 March 2021.
  25. ↑ Rajput, Sagar (14 March 2021). "Ambani security scare: NIA arrests Mumbai cop Sachin Vaze". The Indian Express. Mumbai. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. ↑ Sharma, Vibha (16 March 2021). "Full-blown political slugfest over Sachin Vaze in Maharashtra". Tribune News Service. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. ↑ Marathi, TV9 (16 March 2021). "मोठा खुलासा! स्कॉर्पिओ चोरी झालीच नव्हती, वाझेंकडेच होती; सीसीटीव्ही फुटेजमधून 'कार'नामे उघड?". TV9 Marathi.
  28. ↑ Manish Pathak, Anamika Gharat (17 March 2021). "After raid at Vaze's office, NIA says he hid evidence". Hindustan Times.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  29. ↑ Yadav, Vijay Kumar; Gharat, Anamika (22 March 2021). "Mansukh Hiran murder mystery solved, Sachin Vaze the prime accused, says Maharashtra ATS". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  30. ↑ "CCTV footage shows Sachin Vaze driving with accused Shinde in an Audi". Deccan Herald. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  31. ↑ "Sachin Waze, Accused In Ambani Security Scare Case, Sacked By Mumbai Police". NDTV.com. Retrieved 11 May 2021.
  32. ↑ MumbaiMarch 20, India Today Web Desk; March 20, 2021UPDATED; Ist, 2021 19:51. "Full text of ex-Mumbai top cop Param Bir Singh's sensational letter to CM Uddhav Thackeray". India Today.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. ↑ Shaikh, Zeeshan (21 March 2021). "Anil Deshmukh: Rise and slow eclipse of leader who helmed ministry in many a govt". indianexpress.com. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. ↑ Chaturvedi, Amit, ed. (20 March 2021). "Param Bir Singh alleges Deshmukh asked Vaze to extort ₹100 cr; minister denies". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ↑ Hindi, TV9 (21 March 2021). "क्या मनसुख हिरेन केस NIA के पास जाने से महाराष्ट्र की राजनीति में मची हलचल?". TV9 Hindi.
  36. ↑ "Fadnavis: Mansukh Hiren was murdered, top cops buried evidence to save political bosses in Ambani case". Mumbai Mirror. 18 March 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ↑ [Ex-Mumbai police chief Param Bir Singh moves SC for CBI probe against Deshmukh, Utkarsh Anand, Hindustan Times, March 22, 2021]
  38. ↑ Jore, Dharmendra (22 March 2021). "Sharad Pawar to meet Uddhav Thackeray, decision on Anil Deshmukh today". www.mid-day.com. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ↑ "एंटीलिया केस में कार्रवाई: जेल में बंद मुंबई पुलिस का API सचिन वझे सेवा से बर्खास्त, मनसुख हिरेन की हत्या का भी आरोप". Dainik Bhaskar. 11 May 2021.
  40. ↑ "Video | We The People: Encounter-ing the truth" – via www.ndtv.com.
  41. ↑ Tanna, Ketan (9 September 2007). "Bhais speak differently now". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ↑ "मराठीचे 'लई भारी' पाऊल" [Marathi's 'Lai Bhari' step]. Maharashtra Times. 25 November 2010. Retrieved 23 May 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ↑ "'मराठमोळं फेसबुक" [Marathamol Facebook!]. esakal.com. 29 July 2011. Archived from the original on 23 November 2011.
  44. ↑ ""जिंकून हरलेली लढाई "" [Winning and losing battle]. jinkunharleliladhai.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012.
  45. ↑ Waze, Sachin (17 August 2018). Sheena Bora - The Murder that shook India. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-0143428459. Archived from the original on 28 June 2018.
  46. ↑ Thorat, Shirish (2001). The Scout: The Definitive Account of David Headley and the Mumbai Attacks. Bloomsbury. ISBN 978-9385436666.
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