The investigation into the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Mumbai has taken a major turn. Police have now invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), a stringent law used to tackle organised crime networks. Authorities told a special court that the attack was likely meant to create fear in the city and may be linked to a larger criminal syndicate.
The court has extended police custody of the five accused until February 17, observing that the incident may only be the beginning of a bigger criminal conspiracy.
Here is a clear and simplified look at what happened, what investigators have found so far, and why this case is drawing widespread attention.
What Happened at Rohit Shetty’s Residence
The incident occurred in the early hours of February 1 at Rohit Shetty’s residential building in Juhu, Mumbai.
Details of the Firing
According to police:
- At least five rounds were fired at the first floor of Shetty’s nine-storey building
- Fortunately, no injuries were reported
- The firing caused panic among residents and raised immediate security concerns
Although no one was harmed, the seriousness of the incident led police to treat it as a possible organised crime attempt rather than an isolated act.
Why Police Invoked MCOCA
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, commonly known as MCOCA, is applied in cases involving organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or crimes intended to create large-scale fear.
Police Claims in Court
Investigators told the court that:
- Some accused already have criminal backgrounds
- The firing may have been part of a coordinated plan
- The motive could have been to spread terror in Mumbai
The court noted that the case might appear small on the surface but could be just the tip of the iceberg, indicating deeper links to organised crime.
Because of this possibility, the court allowed further police custody so investigators can continue probing connections and motives.
Who Has Been Arrested So Far
Five suspects, all reportedly from Pune, have been arrested in connection with the firing.
They include:
- Swapnil Sakat, 23
- Samarth Pomaji, 19
- Siddhant Yenpure, 19
- Aaditya Gayaki, 19
- Asaram Shrirang Fasale, 42
Police say more arrests could follow as the investigation expands.
Possible Link to High-Profile Crime Network
One of the biggest developments in the case is the suspected connection to Shubham Lonkar, who is also a key accused in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique.
Key Points About This Angle
- Shubham Lonkar is currently absconding
- His brother Pravin Lonkar is already in judicial custody in another case
- Investigators suspect Pravin may have supplied weapons used in the firing
Police plan to seek Pravin Lonkar’s custody for questioning.
Additionally, authorities believe the main shooter in the Rohit Shetty firing case is still at large and efforts are ongoing to locate him.
Suspected Connection to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Investigators are also exploring whether members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a well-known organised crime syndicate, were involved.
This gang has previously been linked to:
- Threats against Bollywood personalities
- High-profile criminal incidents in Mumbai
- The firing outside Salman Khan’s residence in 2024
While confirmation is still pending, the possibility of gang involvement has raised concern within both law enforcement and the film industry.
Threats to Other Bollywood Celebrities
Around the same time, other actors reportedly received threats, adding to fears about celebrity security.
Threat Mail to Aayush Sharma
Actor Aayush Sharma recently informed police about a threatening email he received.
Investigators believe:
- The message may have been sent using a VPN to hide its origin
- The email was routed through an encrypted ProtonMail account
- No FIR has been filed yet because the sender remains unidentified
Police suspect Sharma may have been targeted because he is related to Salman Khan, who has previously faced threats linked to the Bishnoi gang.
Ranveer Singh Threat Message
In another case:
- A manager of actor Ranveer Singh reportedly received a WhatsApp voice note
- The message allegedly demanded ransom and issued warnings
- It was sent using VoIP technology to mask identity
Authorities are still verifying whether this threat is connected to the same criminal network.
Security Concerns at Celebrity Residences
Following the threats, security around several Bollywood personalities has increased.
Concern Raised by Housing Society
Residents of BeauMonde Towers in Prabhadevi, where Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone live, raised concerns about armed security personnel moving within the premises.
The society formally asked police to verify:
- Whether the guards had valid weapon licences
- If proper police permission had been obtained
- Whether the personnel were legitimate security staff
This reflects growing anxiety among residents about safety and security.
Legal Debate Around Police Custody
During court proceedings, defence lawyers opposed further police custody of the accused.
They argued:
- There were no new grounds for extended custody
- Invoking MCOCA alone should not justify prolonged detention
However, the court sided with investigators, stating that deeper investigation is necessary due to possible organised crime links.
What Happens Next in the Investigation
Police are expected to focus on several key areas:
Ongoing Investigation Steps
- Tracking down the alleged main shooter
- Examining financial and communication records
- Investigating links with organised crime groups
- Analysing forensic evidence from the firing site
- Verifying threats received by other celebrities
Authorities say uncovering the full extent of the network is crucial.
Bigger Questions About Celebrity Security
This case has reignited discussions about the safety of public figures in India, particularly in Mumbai’s film industry.
Repeated incidents involving threats and shootings have led to:
- Increased private security for celebrities
- Greater police vigilance
- Heightened public concern about organised crime activity
While investigations continue, the incident highlights the complex intersection of crime, celebrity culture and law enforcement.
Final Thoughts
The firing outside Rohit Shetty’s residence may not have caused physical harm, but it has raised serious questions about organised crime influence, celebrity safety and law enforcement preparedness. With MCOCA now invoked and multiple leads under investigation, the coming weeks are likely to reveal more about whether this was an isolated act or part of a larger criminal network.
