A major revelation has emerged in the firing incident outside the residence of noted Bollywood producer-director Rohit Shetty. According to sources, investigations by the Mumbai Crime Branch have revealed that the Bishnoi gang shooter used a sophisticated, high-quality country-made firearm to carry out the attack.
Sources said that five rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition were fired at Shetty’s residence. The 7.62 mm bullet is a widely used calibre, with a diameter ranging between approximately 0.308 and 0.311 inches, and is commonly used in rifles and machine guns. The two most common variants of this calibre are the 7.62×51 mm NATO, used in weapons such as the M14, FN FAL and M60, and the 7.62×39 mm, used in rifles like the AK-47 and SKS. These bullets typically weigh between 123 and 175 grains and are known for their high velocity, deep penetration and battlefield effectiveness. The Crime Branch is now examining which of the two 7.62 mm variants was used by the shooter in the incident.
Crime Branch sources further indicated that during the investigation, clues have emerged suggesting the presence of a few other Bishnoi gang members at the spot along with the shooter. Efforts are underway to identify and trace them.
Investigators have also learned that two accused, Siddharth Yenpure and Swapnil Sakat, who were arrested for delivering the scooter used by the shooter from Pune to Mumbai, were paid a total of Rs 10,000 for the job. The money was allegedly given by the firing mastermind Shubham Lonkar to accused Samarth Pomaji, who in turn paid Yenpure and Sakat after the scooter was delivered and they returned to Pune. The Crime Branch is probing how much money was paid in total by the Bishnoi gang to execute the firing and is scrutinising the accused persons’ bank transaction details to trace the financial trail.
According to sources, after firing at Rohit Shetty’s residence, the shooter fled on the scooter for some distance and later approached an autorickshaw driver asking to be taken to Kalyan, but the driver refused. Another autorickshaw driver later dropped him near Vile Parle railway station, and his statement has been recorded by the police. However, due to the suspension of local train services at the time, the shooter allegedly used private transport to flee Mumbai. Sources claim that the shooter has been identified, and efforts are on to arrest him. An अधिकारी said that multiple teams are working to trace and apprehend the accused. So far, statements of more than a dozen people have been recorded in the case.
Following the firing incident allegedly carried out by the Bishnoi gang, Mumbai Police have stepped up security for Rohit Shetty. According to information received, two police personnel were deployed for his security prior to the incident. After the firing, security at his residence and personal protection cover have been significantly enhanced.