Firing at the house of filmmaker Rohit Shetty in Juhu, Mumbai, was done by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who have connected the attack with Shetty’s links with Bollywood star Salman Khan, police sources stated.
Mumbai Crime Branch is done with their investigation regarding the firing that occurred on February 1st and have prepared a 2,000-page long charge sheet, which is about to be submitted in the court.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, a police official revealed that there was no angle of extortion, as investigators found no connection with this angle. Rather, they feel that firing had been done to convey a message to the Hindi film industry since the shooting had a link with Shetty’s relationship with Salman Khan.
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No extortion angle, message to film industry
Police said the gang had earlier targeted individuals linked to Salman Khan. The officer cited the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique, also attributed to the Bishnoi gang, as part of a similar pattern.
Investigators noted that Shetty and Khan have collaborated on multiple projects, including a cameo appearance in Singham Again and their association through television. Officials believe these links may have made the filmmaker a target.
15 arrests, key accused still absconding
The police have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the case so far. Among them is alleged gang associate Pravin Lonkar, brother of prime accused Shubham Lonkar, who remains at large.
The shooter, identified as Deepak Sharma, was arrested in Agra after allegedly firing multiple rounds outside Shetty’s residence. Another accused, Aarzu Bishnoi, is also absconding and is believed to have played a role in planning the attack.
Investigators said the accused used social media to recruit young men, promising financial rewards and influence. According to officials quoted by Hindustan Times, those involved were paid significantly less than what had been promised.
Threat messages and wider probe
Following the incident, social media posts allegedly linked to the accused claimed responsibility and issued threats, warning of further violence if their demands were not met.
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Police said the accused have been booked under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), citing the gang’s organised criminal network and past activities.
The investigation spanned multiple cities, including Mumbai, Pune and Agra, with assistance from local police units and special task forces.
Authorities said further details will emerge once the charge sheet is filed, as they continue efforts to trace the remaining accused and dismantle the network behind the attack.
