Mumbai: Under fire over the arrest of Mumbai cop Sachin Vaze in link with an investigation into the recovery of explosives from a van near Reliance Industries’ Head Mukesh Ambani’s residence, NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) Chief, Sharad Pawar on Tuesday backed the state government and said it handled the situation well.

He also rejected speculation that Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh would be sacked over the handling of the case. After the Waze’s episode, Pawar also held meetings with his NCP ministers and state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. He said, “The Maharashtra government has handled it well, which is why all got exposed.” He said the probe was first started by the Maharashtra Police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) later made arrests.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Mahavikas Aghadi government is under scanner since the 49-year-old top cop is arrested. The NIA (National Investigation Agency) arrested Vaze on Saturday night in a link with its probe into the recovery of a van containing 20 gelatin sticks near ‘Antilia’, residence of Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai on February 25.

Vaze is also facing heat in the murder case of Thane-based industrialist Mansukh Hiran, who was in possession of the van. Hiran was found dead in a Thane creek on March 5.

INDIA NEEDS THIRD FRONT

NCP Chief said on Tuesday said India needs a third front. Addressing a press conference after the induction of Congress rebel PC Chacko into the NCP, senior leader said that talks are on with different parties regarding the construction of the third front.

"The country needs a third front and talks are ongoing with different parties over its creation. Even CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said that that there is a need for a third front, which is yet to take shape," Pawar said. The NCP currently is part of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra along with the Shiv Sena and the Congress.

(With inputs from agencies)