Mumbai Crime Branch has achieved another major breakthrough in the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. In a joint operation with the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), an absconding Accused has been arrested from Agra. With this, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 14.
The arrested accused has been identified as Pradeep Kumar alias ‘Gath’, a resident of New Basti Pakki Talaiya, Ashok Nagar in Agra. He was apprehended following a coordinated action by the Mumbai Crime Branch and UP STF.
According to officials, Pradeep Kumar was present outside Rohit Shetty’s house at the time of the firing, which took place on February 1. He had been on the run since the incident, and Mumbai Police had launched a search operation to track him down.
Investigations have revealed that the accused was working for the gang of international criminal Shubham Lonkar. As per Additional Director General (ADG) Amitabh Yash, the accused, along with other co-accused, carried out the firing at the filmmaker’s residence under instructions from the Lonkar gang. The motive behind the attack was to spread fear in the film industry and carry out extortion activities.
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he came in contact with the Lonkar gang through posts on Facebook and Instagram. He intended to establish his dominance in Agra and nearby areas with the gang’s support.
He further revealed that he, along with his associates identified as Sunny, Deepu, and Sonu, had gone to carry out the firing at Rohit Shetty’s residence.
In connection with the case, the STF has so far arrested several accused, including Pradeep Sharma alias Golu, Deepak, Vishnu Kushwaha, and others. However, Pradeep Kumar alias ‘Gath’ had been absconding until now.
Acting on inputs from the Mumbai Crime Branch, the STF formed a team and arrested him on Thursday from Chadami Math area on the Agra-Etawah Road under Bah police station limits. The accused has now been handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.
Police will continue questioning him to uncover the full conspiracy behind the firing incident.