Mumbai Crime Branch Detains 14th Accused in Rohit Shetty Firing Case from Uttar Pradesh
In a significant development in the high-profile firing incident outside Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence, the Mumbai Crime Branch has detained the 14th accused in the case from Uttar Pradesh on March 21. The filmmaker and his family were unharmed during the February 1 attack, but the investigation has rapidly expanded, revealing complex criminal connections.
Latest Arrest and Police Action
According to official statements from the Mumbai police, the 14th accused, identified as Golu Pandit, was detained in Uttar Pradesh by a Mumbai Crime Branch team with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF). He is currently being transported to Mumbai and is scheduled to be produced in court tomorrow. This arrest marks a crucial step in unraveling the network behind the attack.
Stringent MCOCA Provisions Invoked
Earlier this week, five accused individuals were presented before a special court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). The Mumbai Police confirmed invoking stringent provisions of this law, indicating suspicions of an organised crime syndicate's involvement in the firing. The court subsequently remanded all five to police custody until February 17, 2026, emphasizing the severity of the offence and the existence of a larger criminal conspiracy.
Defence Raises Doubts Over Weapon Recovery
During the court proceedings, defence advocate Ajinkya Mirgal highlighted inconsistencies in the police narrative. He stated, "MCOCA has been added today... They said in the court that the weapon recovered from accused number one, Sakat, was given to him by Praveen Lonkar, who is involved in the Baba Siddique murder case and has been in jail for one and a half years. We stated that he has been in jail for a year and a half. When and how did he get the weapon? This possibility seems a little doubtful to us." This raises questions about the timeline and logistics of the weapon's transfer.
Background of the Incident and Initial Arrests
The arrests stem from the February 1 incident, when unidentified assailants fired four rounds outside Rohit Shetty's home in Mumbai. Mumbai Police swiftly detained four individuals shortly after the attack, placing them in initial police custody. A fifth accused was apprehended on February 5 and later produced in court alongside the others. The court has underscored the need for an extensive probe and joint interrogation, granting custody of all five accused to facilitate a thorough investigation.
Digital Evidence and Communication Methods
During the court proceedings, police informed the judge that a social media post had claimed responsibility for the attack. Investigators further revealed that the accused allegedly used the encrypted Signal app for discreet communication. Authorities are now attempting to retrieve deleted chats linked to Shubham Lonkar, highlighting the digital dimension of the case. The police sought maximum custody for the four earlier accused, along with 10 days' custody for the fifth accused, Asaram Fasle alias Babu, to advance the interrogation process.
This case continues to unfold, with law enforcement agencies working diligently to piece together the motives and connections behind the targeted attack on one of Bollywood's prominent figures.
