Mumbai Actor Kamaal R Khan Arrested in Connection with Andheri Housing Society Shooting Incident
In a significant development in a week-old shooting case, the Oshiwara Police in Mumbai have arrested actor Kamaal R Khan on Saturday. The arrest follows an investigation into two bullets being fired at separate flats within the Nalanda housing society located in Lokhandwala, Andheri.
Recovery of Weapon and Ammunition from Actor's Residence
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officials conducted a search at Khan's bungalow in Versova. The police team successfully recovered a German-made pistol along with twenty-one rounds of ammunition. This discovery has become a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing probe.
Details of the Shooting Incident and Initial Investigation
The incident came to light on January 18 when bullets were discovered inside the apartments of writer Neeraj Mishra and model Prateek Baid. These flats are situated on the second and fourth floors of the Nalanda society. Forensic examination revealed impact marks on a plywood cabinet and walls, although fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Initial police investigations involved reviewing CCTV footage from the society, but no suspicious entries or exits were recorded. The security guard on duty also reported not hearing any sounds of gunfire, adding to the mystery of the case.
Forensic Analysis and Police Breakthrough
To advance the investigation, the police enlisted the help of forensic experts to determine the type of firearm used. After identifying the weapon characteristics, authorities calculated the firing range and cross-referenced it with registered weapons in the area. This meticulous approach led them to Kamaal R Khan.
The investigation team, operating under the supervision of Additional Commissioner Paramjeet Dahiya and DCP Dikshitkumar Gedam, and including Senior Inspector Sanjay Chavan and Inspector Sachin Patil, confirmed that the bullets matched Khan's 7.65 mm Mauser pistol. It was noted that Khan has a prior criminal record, which may have influenced the investigation's direction.
Court Proceedings and Legal Arguments
Khan was produced before a magistrate court in Bandra around 1 PM on Saturday, where he was remanded to police custody until January 27. His lawyer, Nagesh Mishra, presented a defense arguing that the actor had no intention of firing the weapon. According to Advocate Mishra, Khan was merely checking his licensed pistol, believing one round was left, and the discharge was accidental.
The lawyer emphasized that Khan is not acquainted with either of the individuals whose homes were struck by the bullets. He further pointed out that the pistol's effective range is approximately twenty meters, whereas the bullets traveled about four hundred meters to reach the Nalanda society. The distance includes obstacles such as mangroves, roads, and an under-construction structure between Khan's bungalow and the affected building.
Legal Concerns Raised by the Defense
Advocate Mishra has raised procedural concerns, alleging that the actor was not served a notice as required under the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita. Additionally, he claims that the grounds for arrest were not properly disclosed to Khan, potentially impacting the legal proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation and Motive
While the arrest marks a significant step, the police have stated that the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation. Authorities are continuing to probe all angles to understand the circumstances that led to the bullets being fired into the residential flats.
This case has drawn attention to issues of firearm safety and legal procedures in Mumbai, highlighting the complexities involved in such incidents within urban residential areas.
