Gunman Targets Filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu Residence in Midnight Attack
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through Bollywood, a bike-borne gunman fired five rounds at the Juhu bungalow of acclaimed filmmaker Rohit Shetty shortly after midnight on Sunday. The brazen attack occurred at Shetty Tower, located at Hasya Kalakar Mehmood Chowk in the upscale Juhu neighborhood of Mumbai. Fortunately, Shetty and his family, who were present at home during the assault, emerged unharmed, according to police statements.
Swift Police Action Leads to Arrest of Four Suspects from Pune
Mumbai police demonstrated remarkable efficiency by apprehending four individuals from Pune within hours of the incident. The arrested men have been identified as Swapnil Sakat (23), Siddharth Yenpure (20), Aditya Gayaki (19), and Samarth Pomaji (18). Among them, one is reportedly a college student while the others are unemployed. Authorities have not yet disclosed which of these individuals was the actual gunman. Additionally, a fifth person, Aman Marote (27), also from Pune, has been served a notice and will be called for questioning as the investigation progresses.
Gangster Claims Responsibility with Chilling Social Media Post
Adding a disturbing dimension to the case, gangster Shubham Lonkar, known to be an associate of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, posted a message on social media claiming responsibility for the firing. The post, written in both Hindi and English, was signed by Lonkar along with Aarzoo Bhishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu. It contained explicit threats, warning Shetty to "mend his ways" and stating that if he didn't comply, the next bullet would be fired "inside his bedroom, right in his chest." The message also issued a broader warning to the entire Bollywood industry.
Police officials have confirmed they are verifying the authenticity of this social media claim, particularly noteworthy since Shetty had not reported receiving any prior threat messages or extortion demands. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are working to ascertain the make of the weapon used in the assault.
Detailed Investigation Reveals Methodical Planning
The investigation has revealed that the suspect traveled from Pune to Mumbai on a motorcycle, arriving in Juhu late at night. CCTV footage captured the individual near Shetty's building. After firing the five rounds at approximately 12:45 AM, the gunman abandoned the bike about 2 kilometers away from the crime scene before vanishing. The motorcycle, which bore Pune registration, was not reported stolen and is registered under the name of one of the detained suspects. This crucial detail helped police track down the individuals involved.
Currently, the vehicle is in the custody of the Mumbai Crime Branch and Anti-Extortion Cell. Police followed the CCTV trails meticulously, which ultimately led them to the suspects. The forensic teams have secured the premises to conduct a detailed examination of the crime scene.
Security Concerns and Possible Connections to Film Projects
Authorities are exploring whether the firing could be linked to Shetty's upcoming film projects. The filmmaker, known for his action-packed movies, recently acquired the rights to former police commissioner Rakesh Maria's book on the underworld, adding another layer of intrigue to the investigation. Shetty maintains close ties with senior Mumbai police officers and is frequently seen sharing the dais with top IPS officers during various awareness campaigns and entertainment programs organized for police personnel and their families.
In response to the incident, police have significantly increased security around Shetty's residence. Shetty's three building guards witnessed the firing, with one reportedly having gone to the toilet moments before the attack. All guards rushed out upon hearing the gunshots. The bullets struck the first floor and the wall of the building, after which Shetty immediately contacted the police.
Potential Links to Previous Criminal Activities
The investigation is also examining possible connections to other criminal cases. Pune is where the Bishnoi gang is believed to have hatched the murder plot of NCP MLA Baba Siddiqui. Mumbai police had previously arrested four suspects in that murder case from the Karvenagar and Shivane areas of Pune. Among those arrested was Pravin, the brother of Shubham Lonkar, who operated a dairy in Karvenagar.
A senior crime branch official stated, "So far, we have not found any direct link between the suspects detained in the Juhu firing case and those arrested in the Siddiqui murder case. However, this angle is being examined thoroughly." This incident follows the 2024 attack on actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence, where two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly linked to the Bishnoi gang fired shots, highlighting ongoing security concerns for Bollywood personalities.
