Mumbai, India – A major development in the investigation surrounding the January 1 firing at the residence of prominent Bollywood filmmaker Rohit Shetty has resulted in the recovery of the weapon used in the attack and the arrest of twelve individuals, including the alleged shooter, Deepak Sharma. The arrests, carried out by the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch, signal a significant step forward in unraveling the motives behind the incident and bringing those responsible to justice.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of February 1st at Shetty’s Juhu home, involved five gunshots fired at the building. While no one was injured, the brazen act sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry and prompted a swift response from law enforcement. Initial investigations pointed towards a targeted attack, and the subsequent arrests appear to confirm this suspicion. The recovery of the firearm and the apprehension of the alleged shooter are crucial pieces of evidence in building a strong case against the accused.
Authorities have revealed a potential link between the attack and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organization with a history of extortion and violence. Shubham Lonkar, identified as a member of the Bishnoi gang, is believed to have orchestrated the shooting, instructing the arrested individuals to carry out the attack. This connection raises concerns about the potential for organized crime infiltrating the Bollywood industry and the need for heightened security measures to protect filmmakers and other industry professionals.
Weapon Recovered, Suspects in Custody
The Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of the Mumbai Crime Branch successfully recovered the weapon used in the firing from Deepak Sharma, the identified shooter. The firearm has been sent to a forensic science laboratory for ballistic testing to definitively confirm its use in the crime. According to reports, the arrests were made in a coordinated operation involving the Uttar Pradesh and Haryana police special task forces. Seven of the accused were apprehended in Haryana, including Sharma, while the remaining three were arrested in Uttar Pradesh.
Those arrested alongside Sharma include Sonu Thakur, Sunny Kumar, Ritik Kumar, Jatin Bharadwaj, Vishal Balakram, and Vishnu Kushwaha. All seven have been remanded in police custody until February 25th, allowing investigators ample time to interrogate them and gather further evidence. Joint Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Lakhmi Gautam, stated that the accused had deactivated their mobile phones following the incident, necessitating a meticulous investigation involving both manual tracking and technical analysis.
Alleged Motive: Intimidation and Assertion of Dominance
Investigators believe the attack was not random but rather a deliberate attempt to instill fear in Rohit Shetty and assert the supremacy of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The act of firing at a high-profile filmmaker’s residence is seen as a calculated move to send a message to the industry and demonstrate the gang’s reach and influence. This alleged motive underscores the seriousness of the crime and the potential for further repercussions if the gang’s activities are not effectively curtailed.
Shubham Lonkar, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, had reportedly claimed responsibility for the firing in a social media post. He is similarly wanted in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and a previous firing incident at the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan in Bandra. As reported by the Hindustan Times, Lonkar’s involvement in multiple high-profile cases suggests a pattern of escalating criminal activity and a willingness to target prominent figures.
MCOCA Invoked, Investigation Continues
In response to the gravity of the situation, the Mumbai Police have invoked stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against the accused. MCOCA is a powerful law designed to combat organized crime and provides law enforcement with enhanced powers to investigate and prosecute offenders. The invocation of MCOCA signals the authorities’ determination to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack and send a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved in the conspiracy. The focus remains on uncovering the full extent of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s activities and preventing future attacks. The Mumbai Police are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to share information and coordinate efforts to combat organized crime.
The incident has raised concerns about security measures for high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry. While Rohit Shetty’s residence was equipped with security measures, the brazen nature of the attack highlights the need for enhanced protection and vigilance. Industry stakeholders are likely to review their security protocols and consider implementing additional measures to safeguard against potential threats.
The arrest of the twelve accused represents a significant breakthrough in the investigation, but the case is far from closed. The authorities are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that all those responsible for the attack are held accountable. The outcome of the trial will likely have far-reaching implications for the fight against organized crime in India and the security of the Bollywood industry.
As of February 18, 2026, the accused remain in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing. The next scheduled court appearance is February 25th, where authorities will likely seek an extension of the custody period to continue their interrogation. The Mumbai Police have assured the public that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the city’s residents and the entertainment industry.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and concerns in the comments section below. Your engagement helps us to better serve our community and provide comprehensive coverage of important events.