Salman Khan firing case: 2 men who opened fire arrested
What's the story
Two individuals, identified as Vicky Sahab Gupta (24) and Sagar Shrijogendra Pal (21) have been arrested by Bhuj Police and handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch following a shooting incident outside Bollywood star Salman Khan's residence.
The suspects were detained in Bhuj, Gujarat, on Monday and are expected to be transported to Mumbai on Tuesday.
Both hail from Masihi in Bihar's West Champaran district and are implicated in the Sunday incident that unfolded outside Khan's Bandra home.
Incident recap
Details emerge on shooting incident: Assailants abandoned bike, boarded train
The incident occurred early Sunday when two men on a motorcycle fired four rounds of ammunition outside Galaxy Apartments in Bandra around 5:00am.
Reports indicate that Khan was at home during the incident, but no injuries or fatalities occurred.
After the shooting, the suspects abandoned their motorcycle near a local church and used an autorickshaw to reach Bandra Railway Station, from where they boarded a train to Santacruz and hired another autorickshaw for their escape.
Details of operation
West Kachchh Police conducted the op
Bhuj Police released a statement detailing how they nabbed the individuals. It said West Kachchh Police conducted the operation and after arresting the men, they were handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further questioning.
Notably, both Gupta and Pal are associated with Lawrence Bishnoi's gang, thereby confirming the incarcerated gangster's participation in the incident.
Earlier, Mumbai Police had confiscated the motorcycle used in the attack. The secondhand motorcycle had led them to its original owner who was questioned.
Gangster link
Gangster connection and motive behind the shooting
Anmol Bishnoi, sibling of Bishnoi, had also claimed responsibility for the incident via a social media post.
In Hindi, Anmol—who resides in the US—suggested that the attack on the superstar was intended to serve as a "warning" and they were showing Khan a "trailer."
Bishnoi and notorious gangster Goldie Brar have previously threatened to harm Khan.
The alleged motive behind targeting Khan is linked to the infamous 1998 blackbuck hunting case, as the Bishnoi community considers blackbucks sacred.
Security boost
Enhanced security measures at Khan's residence
In response to the incident and ongoing threats from Bishnoi and Brar's gangs, security measures around Khan's residence have been increased by Mumbai Police.
This includes a 24-hour police presence and deployment of trained security personnel equipped with firearms.
For his personal safety, Khan has also been granted an arms license.
Mumbai Police have been on high alert since Khan received an email death threat, allegedly from Bishnoi's gang, in March of the previous year.