India, Feb. 20 -- A special court in Mumbai hearing cases filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has refused bail to Santosh Shelar, an accused in the 2021 Antilia explosives scare and the alleged murder of businessman Mansukh Hiran, holding that there is substantial prima facie evidence against him.

On February 25, 2021, an SUV loaded with gelatin sticks was found parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence, Antilia, in south Mumbai, triggering a major security scare. Days later, on March 5, businessman Mansukh Hiran, who had claimed that the SUV was earlier in his possession before it was allegedly stolen, was found dead in a creek in Thane under suspicious circumstances.

Among those chargesheeted in the case are for...