Mumbai Police Detain Four Suspects in Rohit Shetty Firing Incident
The Mumbai Police have detained four individuals in connection with the firing incident outside the Juhu bungalow of renowned Bollywood director Rohit Shetty in the early hours of Sunday. The suspects, all in their early twenties, were apprehended in Pune and are being brought to Mumbai for further investigation, where they are likely to be formally arrested.
Social Media Account Claims Responsibility with Threats to Bollywood
Meanwhile, a social media account purportedly belonging to Shubham Lonkar and Aarzo Bishnoi, aides of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has claimed responsibility for the firing. The post, shared on Facebook, issued a stark warning to Shetty and the broader Bollywood industry, stating, "This was just a trailer. If he didn't listen, the next bullets would be into his chest." It further demanded that others in the film industry "fall in line" or face consequences worse than those of Baba Siddique, a reference to a previous murder case.
Police Investigation and Lack of Prior Complaints
A senior police officer confirmed the detentions but noted that no prior complaint had been filed by Rohit Shetty regarding threats from any gang. The investigation was initiated based on CCTV footage, which led authorities to track the suspects to Pune. Sources indicate that five individuals were initially picked up, with four now in custody, though their specific roles in the incident remain unclear.
Modus Operandi of the Social Media Threat
Police sources described the social media post as following a familiar pattern associated with the Bishnoi gang. "They upload a post, delete it immediately, and then circulate screenshots to avoid detection," an officer explained. This tactic complicates efforts to trace the origin of the threats. Authorities also noted that in recent months, there have been no formal complaints from Bollywood figures about threat calls from the Bishnoi gang, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Background and Implications
The incident has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the industry. Rohit Shetty, known for blockbuster films and high-octane action sequences, has not publicly commented on the threats. The Mumbai Police continue to investigate the links between the detained individuals and the Bishnoi gang, with forensic teams having conducted inspections at Shetty's residence following the firing. As the probe unfolds, the case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing organized crime threats in urban centers like Mumbai.
