In the ongoing investigation of the shooting outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s home, the Mumbai Crime Branch has made another arrest in Pune, bringing the total number of apprehended individuals to five, as confirmed by police authorities on Thursday. The latest suspect, identified as Asharam Fasle, is accused of supplying the firearm used in the attack.
With this latest arrest, law enforcement now has five suspects in custody, all of whom are set to appear in court today for remand proceedings. Previously, four individuals were detained, with their police custody expiring today. However, the individual who actually discharged the weapon outside Shetty’s residence remains at large.
Authorities have linked the case to Shubham Lonkar, a known associate of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is believed to have targeted multiple prominent figures in Bollywood. Reports indicate that these celebrities received extortion threats but have yet to file formal complaints out of fear.
The shooting incident at Shetty’s Juhu bungalow occurred last Sunday. Investigators have noted that several celebrities seem reluctant to approach law enforcement, suggesting the primary aim of the shooting was to instill fear throughout the film industry.
A senior police official mentioned that, despite receiving threats, many potential victims are not coming forward to provide statements or lodge formal complaints, complicating the police’s ability to take proactive measures.
In one of Lonkar’s social media messages, alarming warnings emerged. Interestingly, Rohit Shetty himself has denied receiving any threats. In his post, Lonkar stated, “Ram-Ram, Jai Bajrang Bali. We warned Rohit Shetty multiple times not to meddle in our affairs, but he ignored us. This is merely the ‘trailer.’ If he continues to disregard our warnings, the next shot won’t be fired outside; it will strike directly.” This serves as a caution to the entire Bollywood industry to amend their actions promptly.
Numerous police teams have been deployed across the country in pursuit of the shooters. Authorities believe that once the individual who fired the shots is apprehended, they will uncover the mastermind behind the attack.