Kazi in judicial custody till April 23

NIA CLAIMED THAT RIYAZUDDIN KAZI STARTED DESTROYING EVIDENCE AFTER THE AGENCY TOOK OVER THE CASE

MUMBAI: The special NIA (National Investigation Agency) court on Friday remanded suspended assistant police inspector Riyazuddin Kazi in judicial custody till April 23. The court has directed Taloja jail authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure Kazi’s security.

He was arrested on April 11 for his alleged involvement in conspiracy and destruction of evidence with another suspended cop Sachin Vaze – the main accused in the Antilia explosives scare and Mansukh Hiran murder cases.

Kazi was produced before the special court as his NIA custody ended on Friday. NIA said it did not require the further custody of the suspended police officer and urged the court to remand him in judicial custody.

Kazi’s lawyer, advocate Hasnain Kazi, moved an application expressing threat perception for his client while in jail, and pleaded that his security aspect be considered by prison authorities. The court then directed the jail authorities to take proper care of Kazi’s security.

According to NIA, Kazi was working as assistant police inspector in the crime intelligence unit (CIU) and was well aware about Vaze’s plan to create a security scare near industrialist Mukesh Ambani’s home.

Meanwhile, the court granted permission to Vaze, who is also lodged at Taloja jail, to speak to his lawyer.

Vaze had pleaded that he needs to speak to his lawyer to discuss further legal remedies. He had alleged that on April 12 and April 15, he was allowed to speak to his lawyer only for five minutes, after which the call was disconnected.