The Mumbai police have identified Shubham Lonkar, a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, as a wanted suspect in the recent shooting incident at the residence of filmmaker Rohit Shetty. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, February 2, when five rounds were fired at Shetty's nine-storey apartment building in Juhu. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the attack has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of high-profile individuals in Mumbai.
According to police reports, the shooting took place around 12:45 AM, with one bullet striking the glass of a gym within the building. The attack is believed to have been carried out with the intention of killing Shetty, who was reportedly at home at the time. Lonkar had previously claimed responsibility for the shooting in a social media post, prompting police to initiate a full-fledged investigation.
- Intended target confirmed — The police revealed that the shooting was aimed at filmmaker Rohit Shetty, increasing the stakes for public safety.
- Connection to previous crimes — Lonkar is also implicated in the October 2024 murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.
- Arrests made — Four accomplices have been arrested, while the shooter remains at large.
As investigations progress, police have arrested four individuals linked to the crime, identified as Swapnil Bandu Sakat, Samarth Pomani, Siddharth Yenpure, and Aditya Gayki. These suspects are accused of providing logistical support and the scooter used in the attack. The police are actively pursuing additional suspects, including the shooter, who remains unidentified.
Authorities are also examining the weapon used in the attack, which is reported to be of good quality, and have seized mobile phones belonging to the arrested suspects. Investigators are probing the funding behind the crime and whether the attackers conducted prior surveillance of Shetty's residence. The incident underscores the ongoing gang-related violence in Mumbai and raises alarms about the safety of public figures in the city.
