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Crime –  A fresh development has emerged in the investigation into the firing outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai residence, with the Crime Branch uncovering a deeper connection between the accused and an organized crime network.

Weapon Supplier Linked to Bishnoi Gang

According to officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch, the man accused of supplying the firearm used in the attack had allegedly been associated with the Bishnoi gang for several years. Investigators said the accused, identified as Asaram Fasle, had been working as a garage mechanic for the gang for nearly four years.

Police sources stated that Fasle came in contact with the gang through Shubham Lonkar, who is suspected of playing a key role in orchestrating the firing incident. Lonkar is also under investigation in connection with the high-profile Baba Siddique murder case.

Authorities believe Fasle supplied the weapon on Lonkar’s instructions. The firearm was reportedly handed over to another accused, Swapnil Sakat, before being used by an unidentified individual who opened fire outside Shetty’s residence.

Court Sends Five Accused to Police Custody

The legal proceedings have moved swiftly. On February 5, Mumbai’s Esplanade Court, commonly known as Killa Court, remanded five accused individuals to six days of police custody. The order extends their custody until February 11, 2026.

Four suspects were arrested on February 1, shortly after gunshots were fired outside Rohit Shetty’s home in Juhu. Police said four rounds were discharged during the incident. A fifth accused, identified as Fasle, was taken into custody on February 5 and produced before the court along with the others.

While passing the order, the judge noted the seriousness of the allegations and pointed to indications of a criminal conspiracy. The court emphasized the need for joint interrogation and a thorough investigation to establish the full chain of events.

Digital Evidence and Social Media Claim Under Review

During the hearing, investigators informed the court that a social media post had surfaced claiming responsibility for the firing. Police are examining the authenticity and origin of that post as part of the broader probe.

Officials also revealed that the accused allegedly used the Signal messaging application to communicate, aiming to avoid detection. The Crime Branch is currently working to retrieve deleted messages, particularly those believed to have been exchanged with Shubham Lonkar.

Police sought maximum custody for the four individuals initially arrested and requested ten days of custody for Fasle, arguing that further interrogation was necessary to trace the weapon’s movement and uncover possible financial or logistical support behind the attack.

Defence Challenges Allegations

Lawyers representing the accused contested the police claims in court. Counsel for the first accused argued that his client was not present at the scene during the incident and had been arrested solely on circumstantial evidence. The defence also questioned the alleged link between the accused and Shubham Lonkar, stating that no direct connection had been established so far.

Advocates for three other accused individuals maintained that their clients’ involvement was limited to allegedly providing a vehicle and that there was no evidence tying them directly to the firing. They requested judicial custody instead of extended police remand.

Anti-Extortion Cell Expands Probe

The Mumbai Crime Branch’s Anti-Extortion Cell confirmed that Fasle was specifically arrested for supplying the weapon used in the firing outside Rohit Shetty’s residence. Officials reiterated that tracing the supply chain of the firearm remains a key focus of the investigation.

As the probe continues, authorities are working to determine whether the incident was intended as a threat, part of an extortion attempt, or linked to broader criminal activity. Further questioning of the accused in police custody is expected to shed more light on the planning and execution of the attack.

The case has drawn significant attention due to Shetty’s prominence in the film industry, and law enforcement agencies have assured that the investigation is being conducted with urgency and diligence.