In a significant development in the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence, the arrested accused Pradeep Sharma alias Golu Pandit is reportedly not cooperating during interrogation, officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch said.
During questioning, Golu revealed that he had joined the Bishnoi gang around two years ago and had been in continuous contact with its members. However, police clarified that he did not communicate directly with Lawrence Bishnoi. Instead, an intermediary facilitated communication between them, and authorities are currently searching for this person.
The Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Golu Pandit from Agra, Uttar Pradesh. He is presently in custody, and investigators say his primary role was to recruit youth to work for the gang.
According to officials, the main shooter, Deepak Sharma, was contacted and allegedly promised ₹3 lakh to carry out the attack. The payment was arranged through Golu Pandit, who hails from the same area in Bah village of Agra district. Police said Deepak and Golu knew each other, and neither had stable employment. Deepak’s family reportedly depends on farming and daily wage labour. Investigators believe both were lured into the conspiracy due to financial incentives.
The Mumbai Crime Branch conducted an extensive eight-day ground operation in Agra as part of the investigation. During the probe, around 1,600 mobile numbers were analysed using technical surveillance. Several recently activated numbers linked to suspicious activities were identified. By examining mobile tower locations, call detail records (CDRs), and network analysis, police tracked suspect movements. A crucial mobile number eventually led investigators to Golu Pandit, proving decisive in cracking the case.
Meanwhile, the investigation has revealed the possible involvement of another person identified as Arjun Bishnoi, prompting police to intensify their probe from this angle.
In a startling revelation, sources said the accused allegedly learned how to execute the firing by watching videos on YouTube. They then conspired and carried out the attack at the filmmaker’s residence.
Police further stated that a contract of ₹3 lakh was given for the firing. It has also emerged that Golu Pandit had prior links with the Bishnoi gang and had previously been jailed in Rajasthan for involvement in a firing incident. This has raised suspicions of a larger organised criminal network operating behind the attack.
Further investigation in the case is underway.