The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a fifth accused in connection with the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu, intensifying the probe into what police believe was a calculated attempt to spread fear within the film industry.
The latest arrest was made in Pune, where the Anti-Extortion Cell apprehended Asharam Fasle, who is alleged to have supplied the firearm used in the attack.
According to officials, Asharam Fasle provided the gun to the individual who carried out the firing at Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence.
With this arrest, the total number of accused in custody has risen to five. All five are currently in police custody and are scheduled to be produced before a court today for further remand. Investigators said the probe is ongoing, with efforts focused on uncovering the remaining links in what appears to be a larger network behind the incident.
Police have also traced the Honda Dio scooter used during the shooting. The vehicle was reportedly purchased around four months ago by a person based in Pune and was sold to one of the arrested suspects shortly before the attack. Investigators believe the scooter was part of a pre-planned operation, chosen specifically to allow the assailants to escape quickly and without drawing attention. The circumstances surrounding the purchase and transfer of the scooter are being examined to determine the full extent of planning involved.
Earlier, four accused had been arrested, and their police custody is set to end today. The shooter, however, remains absconding. Mumbai Police officials have linked the case to fugitive gangster associate Shubham Lonkar, who is believed to have targeted at least five Bollywood celebrities with extortion threats. Despite this, none of the alleged targets has lodged a formal complaint so far, reportedly due to fear.
The firing incident took place last Sunday outside Rohit Shetty’s bungalow in Juhu. Senior police officers have stated that intelligence inputs suggest several celebrities are hesitant to come forward, even though many may have received threatening calls. Officials have warned that if facts are concealed, it becomes extremely difficult for the police to take suo moto action.
While threatening posts attributed to Lonkar have surfaced on social media, Rohit Shetty has publicly denied receiving any direct threat calls. Multiple police teams have been dispatched across the country to track down the shooter, with officers stating that the arrest of the gunman could reveal who ultimately ordered the attack.
On the work front, Rohit Shetty is currently developing the Rakesh Maria biopic starring John Abraham and is expected to begin work soon on Golmaal 5, starring Ajay Devgn.
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