Mumbai: A shocking firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence has taken a serious turn, with Mumbai Police arresting four men and alleging that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy to kill the well known director-producer. The accused appeared before an Esplanade court late Sunday and were on remand to the police until February 5 pending investigations.
The case came to light after a security guard filed a complaint, stating that indiscriminate firing took place outside Rohit Shetty’s home in the early hours of Sunday. No one was injured but the seriousness of the occasion led the police to open a case of attempted murder. Since Shetty has a high profile, the authorities acted promptly to follow the trail behind the perpetrators and the motive behind the attack.
Police Detail Alleged Conspiracy and Wanted Accused’s Role
According to police sources, one of the arrested men, 19 year old Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji, is believed to have played a key role in the conspiracy. Investigators also claim that he was in communication with a wanted suspect, Shubham Lonkar, who is alleged to have planned some of the operation. Lonkar is also on the run, and the police assert that he instructed some parts of the operation but remained outside the Mumbai zone.
The investigation has revealed that the accused allegedly arranged a Honda Dio scooter bearing registration number MH 12 FN 2205 to carry out the firing near Shetty’s residence. Police report that, during the logistical planning, the vehicle was purchased with the assistance of accomplices with one of them being Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki. The police have also charged Lonkar with offering financial assistance and logistical aid to the crime and this makes him a key figure in the conspiracy.
While the identities of the four arrested men have not all been disclosed publicly, police have described them as crucial to assisting the main shooter and facilitating the execution of the plan. In spite of these developments, the investigators have not yet shown the motive of the so-called attempt made on the life of Shetty.
Gang Angle and Social Media Threat Under Scanner
Adding another layer of concern, law enforcement agencies are also examining potential links between the firing incident and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal network that has been associated with several high profile cases in recent years. Authorities have however called on people to be careful and said that judgments would not be made before the claims are well proved.
In a related development, a social media post surfaced shortly after the incident, attributed to individuals claiming to be associated with the Bishnoi gang. The post claimed the firing, which it claimed was a ‘small trailer‘ and threatened to use more violence unless some demands were fulfilled. The police are currently examining the post authenticity to conclude whether it is directly linked to the accused who is arrested or it is an independent effort to intimidate and cause fear.
As the investigation continues, Mumbai Police are focusing on tracing the absconding accused, verifying the gang angle, and uncovering the motive behind the alleged murder plot. The case, so far, has created a shockwave within the film industry as it has brought about fresh concerns regarding the security of the public and the increase in the audacity of criminal threats within the city.
Also Read | Shots Fired Outside Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai Home, Police Tighten Security and Launch Probe
