Senior leader of Shiv Sena and a sitting member of the Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Raut yesterday (29 March) asserted that he had "warned a few leaders" of the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government in Maharashtra against the reinstatement of Sachin Waze in Mumbai Police, reports Times of India.

Raut claimed that he had warned the MVA leaders that Waze's reinstatement into the police force could create problems for the ruling administration in Maharashtra, considering his "behaviour and style of functioning".

Even though Raut refused to name the MVA leaders who he claimed to have warned, he said that he was "around" when the discussion on reinstating Waze had taken place. He went on to say that "these leaders and some prominent figures" know about it.

Raut's assertions come at a time when Waze is under National Investigation Agency (NIA)'s custody for the case involving the placement of an explosives-laden vehicle near Mukesh Ambani's Mumbai residence and the mysterious murder of the said vehicle's owner Mansukh Hiren.

Meanwhile, it should be noted that during the session of the State's Assembly earlier this month, Chief Minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray had defended Waze and asked if he was Osama Bin Laden. Thereafter, Shiv Sena's mouthpiece Saamna had also backed Waze in its editorial.

Raut defended Thackeray on Monday and said, "CM Thackeray's statement was based on the information he received at that time, and his stand was correct. However, as Waze's activities have surfaced, there is no reason to shield him. Thackeray was of the opinion that one should not be hanged before an inquiry is conducted."