Two inspectors, including a deputy commissioner of police, and a former officer are on the radar of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with Sachin Vaze, a suspended police officer arrested in connection with the Ambani bomb scare and Mansukh Hiren murder case.
It is understood that the four were found to be involved in the financial transactions of his recovery. But no evidence has yet been found of Scorpio and their involvement in the murder. Their role is being investigated and will be arrested soon if necessary, the source said.
The Thane connection between the four and Vaze has been found to be similar. Of the four, the deputy commissioner of police and one inspector are from Mumbai, while the rest are from Thane.
All three were questioned at an early stage, officials said. Sachin Vaze has been in NIA custody since March 13. Hundreds of hours of interrogation of Vaze's former colleagues, who initially did not co-operate with the investigation, as well as JB CCTV footage, have yielded significant clues to the crime.
A lot of shocking information has been revealed during the investigation. Vaze had handed over the responsibility of recovery of installments in Bhandup, Mulund area to Constable Vinayak Shinde. NIA has found an ‘extortion diary’ and mobile and from Shinde's house. The diary lists monthly amount that was fixed for the bars and clubs to pay. It is also being reported that Vaze used to pay a commission to Shinde.The names of 32 clubs, bars and lodges are in it, officials said.
It is also learned that recovery was made from some of the complainants who came to the Crime Branch, Financial Crimes Investigation Branch, filed cases and the accused in them. It alleges links between a deputy commissioner from Mumbai, an inspector and an inspector from Thane and a controversial retired police officer from a political party.