Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday, February 1, responded to the firing incident reported outside Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Addressing the media, he asserted that those involved were not influential figures and would face strict action. The incident occurred at around 12.45 am when gunshots were reportedly fired outside the 51-year-old director-producer’s residential tower. Following the incident, Mumbai Police intensified security arrangements around the premises. CCTV footage later emerged, allegedly showing a man standing outside the building and firing shots, prompting immediate police intervention and investigation.
Devendra Fadnavis said, "According to the information available so far, some bullets were fired at this wall. The person who fled was tracked to the hut where he went, and the owner of that hut has been identified. The investigation is ongoing to find out to whom the owner sold it. These people will be caught—they are not influential figures—and they will be taught a proper lesson."
In connection with the firing case, police arrested five individuals from Pune. The accused have been identified as Aman Anand Marote (27), Aditya Gyaneshwar Gayaki (19), Siddharth Deepak Yenpure (20), Samarth Shivsharan Pomaji (18), and Swapnil Bandu Sakat (23), all residents of Karvenagar and Dhayari areas. Initial media reports suggested links between the incident and an organised criminal gang operating nationally. Additionally, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility for the firing, raising serious security concerns and intensifying scrutiny by law enforcement agencies.
Speaking to reporters, Pune City Police DCP Sambhaji Kadam said the suspects were traced with assistance from the Mumbai Police. He confirmed that all five accused had been handed over to the Mumbai Police for further questioning. Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing and additional details would be revealed as the probe progresses. Meanwhile, Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad criticised the Maharashtra government, describing the firing incident as “evidence of crumbling law and order in the state.” She further alleged that the Chief Minister was unable to focus adequately on the Home Department and urged him to delegate the responsibility.
IFTDA condemns the firing incident
The Indian Film & Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) strongly condemned the firing and sought direct intervention from the Chief Minister. In a statement, it said, "The entire film fraternity is deeply shocked and concerned about the safety. We appeal to our Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji to personally look in to the matter, as this grave incident should not shake the morality and confidence of the entertainment industry." Meanwhile, Shetty’s security guard first heard the gunshots and alerted the filmmaker. Police later recorded Shetty’s statement, while forensic teams collected evidence from the gym and adjoining balcony.