Major Interstate Operation Leads to Arrest of 7 Accused in Filmmaker Rohit Shetty Juhu Residence Firing Case
In a significant development in the high-profile case involving noted filmmaker Rohit Shetty, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (UP STF) in a coordinated joint action with the Mumbai Crime Branch has successfully apprehended seven accused individuals, including the primary shooter. The arrests were made on Sunday following an intensive interstate investigation into the alleged firing incident that occurred at Shetty's Juhu residence on February 2.
Details of the Juhu Residence Attack
According to official reports from investigating agencies, the incident took place in the early hours of February 2, approximately at 12:45 AM, at Shetty Tower located in the upscale Juhu neighborhood of Mumbai. The attack involved indiscriminate firing at the filmmaker's residence using a semi-automatic pistol, creating panic in the area.
Following the incident, Mumbai Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under multiple legal provisions including relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, sections 37(1) and 37(2) of the Maharashtra Police Act, and various provisions of the Arms Act. The case immediately gained priority status due to its high-profile nature and potential implications for public safety.
Interstate Investigation and Technical Surveillance
Mumbai Police launched an intensive probe into the matter, utilizing advanced technical surveillance methods and electronic evidence collection. As the investigation progressed, the trail led investigators to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, prompting Mumbai authorities to seek specialized assistance from the UP STF.
Given the gravity of the case and its interstate dimensions, senior STF officials directed their Agra field unit to commence intelligence gathering operations. Through meticulous technical analysis of call detail records, digital footprints, and movement patterns of suspects, investigators were able to identify key operatives allegedly connected to the internationally active Shubham Lonkar gang.
Coordinated Raids and Arrests
On February 15, coordinated raids were conducted simultaneously at multiple locations across different states. The main shooter, identified as Deepak (24), son of Ramesh Chandra and resident of Vijoli village in Agra district, was apprehended from Machhrauli in Jhajjar, Haryana.
Along with Deepak, three associates were arrested: Sunny (23), Sonu (23), and Ritik (22), all hailing from the same Vijoli village in Agra. Another accused, Vishnu Kushwaha (26), was taken into custody from Vijoli village itself.
Additional arrests included Jatin Bhardwaj (24), currently residing in Sector-45 of Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Vishal, a resident of Etawah, both of whom were arrested from the Sahibabad area of Ghaziabad.
Motive and Gang Connections Revealed
During joint interrogation sessions conducted by the investigating teams, the accused allegedly confessed that the attack was meticulously pre-planned with the specific objective of creating widespread panic within the film fraternity. The operation was reportedly intended to demonstrate the operational reach and capabilities of the Shubham Lonkar gang.
Police officials revealed that the task of executing the firing was assigned through Vishnu Kushwaha, who reportedly maintained connections with Goloo Pandit, an associate of the Lonkar gang. Pandit is allegedly involved in a separate ₹5-crore extortion case in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, highlighting the gang's broader criminal activities.
Social Media Influence and Criminal Aspirations
Investigators disclosed that the accused were significantly influenced by the glorified portrayal of the Lonkar gang on various social media platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. This digital glorification reportedly motivated them to seek notoriety within the criminal underworld through high-profile acts of violence.
"They admitted that they had conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to Mumbai prior to the attack to study the geographical layout, security arrangements, and escape routes near the filmmaker's residence," stated ADG (law and order) Amitabh Yash during a briefing on the investigation.
Post-Incident Evasion Tactics
After carrying out the attack, the accused employed sophisticated evasion tactics, frequently changing locations across multiple states while closely monitoring news coverage and police updates through social and electronic media. This strategy was designed to help them remain undetected and avoid apprehension.
Jatin Bhardwaj and Vishal allegedly played crucial roles in providing logistical support, safe shelters, and other essential resources to help the main shooters remain absconding during the investigation period.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
All seven arrested accused will now be formally handed over to Mumbai Police for further legal proceedings as the case falls under their jurisdiction. Investigators continue their efforts to trace additional members of the Lonkar gang and uncover the broader extortion network that allegedly targets prominent members of the film industry and business community.
The successful interstate operation demonstrates enhanced coordination between law enforcement agencies across state boundaries and highlights the sophisticated methods being employed to combat organized crime networks operating in multiple jurisdictions.
