Mumbai Police Recover Weapons Used in Firing Outside Salman Khan's Residence

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has recovered two pistols, 13 bullets, and three magazines from the Tapi River in Gujarat, which were allegedly used by two arrested shooters in the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence on April 14, 2024. The shooters, identified as Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21) from Bihar, were apprehended by the Kutch Police and handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had thrown the weapons into the Tapi River from a railway bridge while fleeing to Bhuj after the incident. The police have added three new sections to the FIR, including IPC 506(2) (threatening), 115 (abetment), and 201 (tampering with evidence). Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi have been declared wanted accused in the case, with Anmol Bishnoi claiming responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post.

The shooters allegedly conducted a reconnaissance of Salman Khan's farmhouse in Panvel and intended to intimidate him rather than commit murder. They were allegedly paid Rs 1 lakh to carry out the attack. A case of attempt to murder and criminal intimidation has been filed by the Mumbai Crime Branch, and Salman Khan's statement will be recorded as a witness in the case.

Why this matters: The incident has raised concerns about the security of high-profile celebrities and the growing influence of organized crime in Mumbai. The involvement of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has put the spotlight on the need for stricter law enforcement measures to curb such audacious attacks.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has vowed to eliminate the Bishnoi gang, stating that there is no place for the underworld in Mumbai. The police are also searching for the phones of the accused in the Tapi River, as they believe the accused had transferred money to the bank several times. The recovery of the weapons used in the firing incident is a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, and further developments are expected as the Mumbai Police Crime Branch continues its probe.

Key Takeaways

• Mumbai Police recovered 2 pistols, 13 bullets from Tapi River used in Salman Khan attack
• 2 shooters from Bihar arrested, revealed throwing weapons into river while fleeing
• Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, brother Anmol declared wanted, Anmol claimed responsibility
• Shooters allegedly paid ₹1 lakh, intended to intimidate Salman Khan, not murder
• Case of attempt to murder, criminal intimidation filed, Salman's statement to be recorded