The probe into the firing outside director Rohit Shetty’s Mumbai home is gathering pace, with Mumbai Police recovering the gun allegedly used in the attack. Investigators say 12 accused are now in custody, as links to jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s network emerge and concerns about security in the film industry deepen.
According to officials, the suspected shooter, identified as Deepak Chandra Sharma, was traced through crime branch efforts and arrested by the Anti-Extortion Cell. Police sources say the group involved allegedly used a mix of social media and local contacts, as the case continues to take a new direction with each development.
Rohit Shetty house firing case investigation and background
Officers state that several recruits were allegedly told they were part of a “mission” and described as “Hindu sainiks”, with the aim of spreading fear and gaining notoriety. A Times of India report further claimed that Deepak Chandra Sharma was allegedly given Rs 50,000 in advance and promised a bigger payment after the firing.
The incident itself happened on January 31, when unidentified attackers allegedly fired four rounds outside Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu. A police team reached the location soon after and began enquiries, while heavy security was deployed around the residential tower. Later, a Facebook post said Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang had claimed responsibility for the firing.
Investigators later said the attack was not just meant to frighten. According to the case details, the shots were allegedly fired with an intent to cause harm to Rohit Shetty, while also projecting dominance. Police registered a case of attempted murder along with other relevant offences as the crime branch widened its investigation.
Rohit Shetty house firing case arrests and gang links
As the probe unfolded, the crime branch detained several suspects in different states. Five men were picked up in Pune for allegedly helping with logistics and weapons. Police identified them as Aditya Gayaki, 19, Siddharth Yenpure, 20, Samarth Pomaji, 18, Swapnil Sakat, 23, and Asaram Fasale, who were then produced before the MCOCA court on February 17.
During the hearing, investigators alleged that the Pune group supplied a scooter and other support used by the shooter. However, in court, Swapnil Sakat claimed police had forced a statement and obtained a signature. Around the same period, officers said six more suspects were detained in Rajasthan for their alleged roles in the same conspiracy.
Police have also said the accused were acting under instructions from alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Shubham Lonkar. Officials claim Asaram Fasle supplied weapons for the firing and may have joined the network under the influence of Shubham, who is described as the suspected mastermind in the Baba Siddiqui murder case.
| Accused Name | Age | Location linked | Alleged role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepak Chandra Sharma | – | Not specified | Alleged shooter |
| Aditya Gayaki | 19 | Pune | Logistics support |
| Siddharth Yenpure | 20 | Pune | Logistics support |
| Samarth Pomaji | 18 | Pune | Logistics support |
| Swapnil Sakat | 23 | Pune | Logistics support, disputed confession |
| Asaram Fasale | – | Pune / Rajasthan link | Alleged weapon supplier |
The latest major step in the case came when officers recovered the suspected firing weapon. PTI quoted a Mumbai Police official as saying, “The weapon used in firing gunshots has been recovered from the shooter and was sent to a forensic science laboratory for a ballistic test to confirm its use in the crime.”
Crime branch officials say the ballistic report will help match the seized gun with the bullets fired outside the Juhu residence. With 12 accused now arrested by the Anti-Extortion Cell and linked units, and the alleged role of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang under scrutiny, the investigation into the Rohit Shetty house firing case remains active and closely watched.