Five rounds were fired outside the residence of filmmaker Rohit Shetty in Mumbai late Saturday night, triggering a major security alert. Pune Police on Sunday detained four accused in connection with the incident. Following the firing, a social media post went viral from accounts allegedly belonging to Bishnoi gang members Arju Bishnoi and Shubham Lonkar, claiming responsibility for the attack outside Shetty’s home.
Police have now shown Shubham Lonkar a wanted accused in the case. Lonkar is considered a key operative of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. He is also the prime suspect and alleged conspirator in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in October 2024, a crime for which he had claimed responsibility through a Facebook post. Arju Bishnoi is believed to be an active gang member who assists in running the gang’s operations through social media and threats.
Acting swiftly, Mumbai Police arrested four accused from Pune. The arrested individuals have been identified as Swapnil Bandu Sakat (23), Siddharth Deepak Ainpure (19), Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (19) and Aditya Gyaneshwar Gaiki (19). All four were produced before a court on Sunday, which remanded them to police custody till February 5.
Investigations have revealed that accused Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji had allegedly planned the firing along with absconding accused Shubham Lonkar. As per the plan, gunfire was carried out outside Rohit Shetty’s residence with the intention of causing harm and instilling fear.
An FIR was registered in the case based on a complaint lodged by Rohit Shetty’s security guard. During the probe, police found that Samarth had assisted the main shooter, who is currently on the run. According to police, on Lonkar’s instructions, Samarth procured a Honda Dio scooter from co-accused Aditya Gyaneshwar Gaiki and, with the help of others, delivered it to the shooter at a designated location in Mumbai.
Police further stated that financial assistance provided by Shubham Lonkar was used to arrange the vehicle for the main accused. Investigators believe the entire conspiracy was orchestrated by Lonkar, who also funded the operation. Further investigation is underway to trace the absconding shooter and other possible links to the gang.