Rohit Shetty's House Shooting Case: Key Developments and Arrests
Overview of the Incident
The investigation into the shooting incident involving filmmaker Rohit Shetty is progressing. On April 30, the Mumbai Police submitted a comprehensive 1,624-page chargesheet to a special MCOCA court concerning the shooting that occurred outside Shetty's residence in February. On January 31, unidentified assailants fired four shots outside his home in Juhu during the evening. Police responded promptly, launching an investigation and enhancing security around the residential complex. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but a case of attempted murder was filed, and ballistic evidence was collected.
Details of the Chargesheet
About the Chargesheet
The chargesheet identifies 17 individuals, highlighting members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as the orchestrators of the attack. The case falls under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Investigators revealed that at least five shots were directed at the first floor of Shetty's nine-storey building, with one bullet hitting the glass of an on-site gym. This incident has raised significant security alarms.
Arrests and Accusations
Arrests and Accused
Out of the 17 suspects, 15 have been apprehended, while two, Shubham Lonkar and Arzoo Bishnoi, remain at large. Authorities have linked these individuals to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has claimed responsibility for the shooting via social media. Those arrested include Deepak Sharma, Ritik Yadav, Sunny Thakur, and several others, most of whom are aged between 20 and 25. Some of the accused were acquainted with each other but had no direct ties to gang members detained in Pune. Notably, Kushwah is related to the primary shooter. Lonkar is also wanted for other serious offenses, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and a shooting incident near actor Salman Khan's home.
Investigation Insights
More about the Investigation
Investigators believe the accused acted on Lonkar's orders. Prior to the attack, they allegedly surveilled Shetty's residence on three occasions. On the night of the shooting, some of the suspects consumed alcohol nearby before executing their plan.
Post-Incident Activities
Group's Activities After the Incident
The alleged shooter, Deepak Sharma, along with three accomplices, traveled to Juhu to carry out the attack. After firing, they fled in an autorickshaw to Kalyan in Thane district. Following the incident, the group regrouped at a co-accused's home in Kalyan, which served as a temporary hideout due to one member's local knowledge. They subsequently escaped to northern India by train. Police later located them in Haryana, where they were sheltered by another accused, Ritik Yadav, who has since been arrested.