In a significant development in the investigation of the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu bungalow, Pune police have revealed that gangster Subham Lonkar, the alleged mastermind, paid Rs 40,000 to two suspects to arrange the scooter used in the attack. This payment was made online to facilitate the execution of the crime that has sent shockwaves through Mumbai's film industry and law enforcement circles.
Details of the Attack and Arrests
The lone gunman arrived on the scooter and fired five rounds at Shetty's bungalow shortly after midnight on Sunday. After committing the act, the assailant abandoned the vehicle approximately 2 kilometers away from the scene. Mumbai police have since arrested four individuals in connection with the case: Swapnil Sakat (23), Siddharth Yenpure (19), Samarth Pomaji (19), and Aditya Gayaki (19). All are residents of Dhayari and Karvenagar areas in Pune.
The Scooter's Journey and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III) Sambhaji Kadam provided crucial details, stating, "It was Yenpure who took the scooter to Mumbai with another person. Yenpure bought the scooter from another man in Dhayari, but it was not transferred in Yenpure's name. Thus, the scooter owner too was taken to Mumbai for further probe." This highlights the meticulous nature of the investigation as authorities trace every link in the chain of events.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that the suspect who fired at Shetty's residence was captured on CCTV cameras near Vile Parle railway station while fleeing after the crime. An officer involved in the case elaborated, "Yenpure met Shubham Lonkar, who is the prime suspect and a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Lonkar made an online payment of Rs 40,000 to Yenpure and another person for the scooter." This digital transaction has become a key piece of evidence in building the case against the accused.
Gangster Subham Lonkar's Alleged Role
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar shed light on Lonkar's broader criminal activities, noting, "Lonkar, who is a resident of Karvenagar, is using all his contacts in Pune city to rope in youngsters for the Bishnoi gang and execute crimes in Mumbai and other cities." This statement underscores the expanding reach of organized crime networks and their recruitment strategies targeting vulnerable youth.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, to which Lonkar allegedly belongs, has been linked to several high-profile crimes. These include the firing at actor Salman Khan's Bandra home in April 2024 and the murder of former NCP minister Baba Siddique in October 2024. This pattern suggests a deliberate targeting of prominent figures, raising serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of countermeasures against such gangs.
Profile of the Arrested Youths
Commissioner Kumar revealed a troubling aspect of the case, stating, "None of the arrested youngsters has a crime record." He described their backgrounds, noting they engage in odd jobs such as vegetable selling, working as peons in private schools, or serving as private drivers. Their parents are casual workers or employed as househelp, painting a picture of economic vulnerability that may have made them susceptible to criminal recruitment.
This detail highlights a growing trend where individuals without prior criminal histories are being drawn into serious offenses, possibly due to financial incentives or coercion. The involvement of such youths in high-stakes crimes like the Shetty firing points to deeper societal issues that require attention beyond mere law enforcement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend Subham Lonkar, who remains at large. The case has prompted increased scrutiny on gang activities in Pune and Mumbai, with calls for enhanced coordination between police forces to prevent similar incidents in the future.
