Rohit Shetty firing case: UP STF nab main shooter in Agra; links to Lawrence Bishnoi unearthed

Mumbai: A major revelation has been made in the shootout at film director Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence in Mumbai. Investigations have revealed that the Shubham Lonkar gang was behind the incident. The gang allegedly hired shooters to extort ₹5 crore (approximately $1.5 million in ransom money) to carry out the shooting. Deepak, a resident of Agra, was the main shooter. Seven people are believed to be involved in the shootout, all from Agra, Noida, and Etawah. Following the incident, raids have been conducted in several states to track down the entire network.

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) and Mumbai Police conducted a joint operation and arrested the accused. The main shooter, Deepak, and his associates, Sunny, Sonu, and Hrithik, were arrested in Jhajjar, Haryana. Vishnu Kushwaha, Jatin Bhardwaj, and Vishal were arrested in Ghaziabad. Two brothers, Sonu and Hrithik, were also found to be involved in the conspiracy. The STF detained all seven accused and handed them over to the Mumbai Police. The entire conspiracy is being unraveled through interrogation. The police hope that the interrogation will lead to further significant revelations.

The investigation revealed that the Shubham Lonkar gang, associated with Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, had demanded a ransom of ₹5 crore. The gang provided a semi-automatic pistol to carry out the crime. Information has also emerged that Shubham Lonkar paid a large sum of money to Golu Pandit after the shooting. Vishnu Kushwaha, who was arrested, was a key link between the shooters and the gang. He contacted Deepak and his associates and orchestrated the operation. This clearly demonstrates the entire conspiracy was well-planned.

Jatin Bhardwaj and Vishal helped the accused hide after the shooting. After the incident, they hid at various locations. However, based on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, the STF apprehended them. The Mumbai Police will now conduct an identification parade of the accused involved in the shootout. The legal process will then proceed. The police claim that every link related to extortion and the gang network is being investigated.

Why was the case transferred to the crime branch?

Following the incident, Mumbai Police registered a case at Juhu Police Station under serious sections and the Arms Act. After an initial investigation, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell. Police suspected the case might be linked to a larger gang. Therefore, the investigation was assigned to a special team. The Anti-Extortion Cell began gathering technical and field inputs, and a series of arrests began.

Why was MCOCA applied?

First, the police arrested five accused. Their interrogation revealed links to organized crime. Subsequently, MCOCA sections were added to the case, indicating that the police suspected a larger network. The imposition of MCOCA further expanded the scope of the investigation. The police are now also investigating funding and foreign connections.

Who conducted the joint operation?

As the investigation progressed, the Uttar Pradesh STF and Haryana STF were also involved. Six more accused were arrested in the joint operation, including the main shooter, Deepak. All are being brought to Mumbai under tight security. The Agra STF and Mumbai Police arrived at Mumbai Airport with the accused. Intensive interrogation is now underway.

How many arrests so far?

A total of 12 arrests have been made in this case so far. The latest arrest was made in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Police arrested accused Vishnu Kushwaha. Previously, four accused were arrested in Bahadurgarh, Haryana. This operation was carried out in a joint operation by the Mumbai Crime Branch and Haryana STF. Police claim that this operation has yielded important clues.

Where was the raid?

The operation in Bahadurgarh was carried out with a thorough strategy. According to Haryana STF SP Vikrant Bhushan, the Mumbai Police's Anti-Extortion Cell had contacted them, following which a joint team was formed. All the accused are said to be residents of Uttar Pradesh. They are now being brought to Mumbai for questioning. Police hope to uncover more layers of the network.

Who is the main shooter?

The investigation revealed that Deepak was the main shooter in the incident. He fired at Rohit Shetty's house. He, along with Sunny and Sonu, had previously conducted a recce of the house. After the recce, the shooting was carried out as part of a well-planned operation. Another accused, Hrithik, helped the shooters hide. Sophisticated and foreign weapons were used in the incident.

Who are involved in the shooting?

Deepak Sharma, Sunny, Sonu, and an absconding accused were involved in the shooting. Deepak fired the shot at the time of the incident, while the other accused were nearby. After the incident, all four fled by different routes. They reached Kalyan station and boarded a train to Agra. Sonu had previously lived in Kalyan for two years. Later, he returned to his village in Agra and was involved in the arms supply business.

What are links to foreign countries?

The investigation revealed that Deepak had connections with individuals associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He was connected to Hari Boxer and Arju Bishnoi, who are based abroad. It was reported that these individuals assigned the shooting task. Contact was established through social media, and then the entire conspiracy was hatched. Deepak was initially given 50,000 rupees, and more money was promised in the future.

What is the connection with Baba Siddiqui Case?

The investigation also revealed that Arju Bishnoi had contacted Shubham Lonkar, who is already wanted in the Baba Siddiqui case. However, the shooters were not directly contacted by him. The conversation has not been confirmed. However, discussions took place at various levels during the planning process. The police are trying to connect this link as well. This angle has deepened the investigation.

How was the conspiracy hatched?

Sunny, Sonu, and Deepak first arrived in Mumbai. They both conducted a recce of the house and surveyed the area. Deepak then opened fire as planned. Foreign-made weapons were used in the incident. The shooters received an advance payment of 50,000 rupees. They were assured of a larger payment after the job was completed.

Where did the accused hide?

After the shooting, the accused hid in various locations. Some stayed in Delhi-NCR, while others stayed in hotels. After about four or five days, they reached a hideout in a field in Bahadurgarh. Police were continuously tracking their location. Finally, in a joint operation, all of them were apprehended. Now, new revelations are emerging from their interrogation.

Connection to Ranveer Singh Case?

At present, no direct connection to any case related to actor Ranveer Singh has been revealed in this case. However, the police are also investigating this angle. Investigating agencies are trying to determine if the same gang is working on multiple high-profile targets. No official confirmation has been made at this time. The situation will become clear only after the investigation.

What is further action?

Hari Boxer claimed responsibility for the attack. Following the incident, Rohit Shetty's security was increased. The investigation is now being conducted by the team of Inspector Sunil Pawar of the Anti-Extortion Cell. Within 15 days, the police arrested almost all the accused. A chargesheet is now underway. The police claim that the entire network will be exposed and every link in the conspiracy will be presented in court.