Police officer Sachin Vaze removed from crime branch: Deshmukh

Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh On Wednesday announced the removal of Mumbai police officer Sachin Vaze from the Crime Intelligence Unit till the inquiry into the mysterious death of automobile parts dealer Mansukh Hiran is not completed.

Deshmukh made the statement in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

"Police officer Sachin Vaze will be removed from his current posting in the crime branch till the investigation is not completed. I am taking this decision in view of the rising demand from the opposition," the minister said.

He said the Maharashtra government will conduct an impartial probe into the death of Hiran.

Mansukh Hiran was in possession of the SUV which was found with explosives outside industrialist Mukesh Ambanis house in south Mumbai on February 25.

Police said the vehicle was stolen from Hirans possession on February 18. The mystery deepened after Hirans body was found in a creek last Friday in neighbouring Thane.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday demanded action against API Sachin Vaze in connection with the death of Hiran.

"We will take appropriate action against Vaze if he is involved in his death," Deshmukh said in the Council on Wednesday.

However, Leader of Opposition in the Council Pravin Darekar and other opposition members expressed their dissatisfaction over the governments decision.

"Vaze is in some way involved in the death of Mansukh Hiran. He should face legal action and should be suspended at once," Darekar said.