The Bombay High Court has placed the lifestyle of former Mumbai Police officer Sachin Vaze under intense scrutiny as it hears a petition challenging the bail granted to him by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). During recent court proceedings, the bench raised pointed questions regarding the financial resources available to Vaze, who held the rank of Assistant Police Inspector (API) during his tenure with the force.
The court specifically expressed astonishment at the discrepancy between Vaze’s official income and his personal assets. The NIA informed the court that the monthly salary for an officer at the API rank is approximately ₹90,000. Despite this relatively modest government remuneration, the NIA presented evidence to the court indicating that Vaze maintained an extremely opulent lifestyle. According to Justice Gokhale, records show that Vaze owned a fleet of five high-end vehicles, including models from luxury manufacturers such as BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo.
The court further inquired about reports of Vaze staying at Mumbai’s Oberoi Hotel for approximately 100 days. The bench questioned how a civil servant on a standard police salary could afford such extravagant accommodation. The NIA’s counsel noted that Vaze had used high-end vehicles to commute not only to the Commissioner of Police office but also to ‘Varsha’, the official residence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, fueling concerns about the potential misuse of his official position.
These arguments were presented by the NIA as part of its case against Vaze, who faces serious allegations of extortion and abuse of power. Vaze is currently the prime accused in the high-profile 2021 Antilia bomb scare investigation, which involved a Scorpio SUV found parked near the residence of businessman Mukesh Ambani containing 20 loose gelatin sticks. He is also accused in connection with the subsequent murder of businessman Mansukh Hiren.
Sachin Vaze joined the Maharashtra Police force in 1990 and eventually became a well-known figure, often referred to as an ‘encounter specialist’. During his career, he was linked to the alleged extrajudicial killings of 63 individuals. His service record has been marked by significant controversy; he was previously suspended in 2004 following his arrest in relation to the custodial death of Khwaja Yunus, a suspect in the 2002 Ghatkopar bombing.
Following his 16-year suspension, Vaze was reinstated into the Mumbai Police force in June 2020. However, his tenure was short-lived, as his administrative career came to an abrupt halt in early 2021 following the discovery of the explosives-laden vehicle near the Ambani residence. The NIA, which took over the investigation, continues to pursue the case against him, asserting that his actions represented a significant breach of duty.
The ongoing high court hearing serves as a critical juncture in the legal proceedings involving Vaze. As the court continues to examine the details surrounding his financial history and the specific allegations of extortion, the case highlights broader questions about accountability and oversight within the police force. The court’s focus on his assets and lifestyle reflects the gravity of the charges brought forward by the investigating agency.
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