In the latest update on the investigation surrounding the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence, Mumbai Police has disclosed their exploration into the potential support extended to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang by anti-national elements operating beyond Indian borders. The Crime Branch, spearheading the inquiry into the shooting, presented three suspects—Vicky Gupta (24), Sagar Pal (21), and Anuj Thapan (32)—before a court on Monday, securing their custody until May 8. Lawrence Bishnoi, presently imprisoned in Sabarmati Central Prison in Ahmedabad, along with his younger brother Anmol, purportedly residing in either the US or Canada, stand as prime suspects in the case.
Anmol had previously claimed responsibility for the shooting via a Facebook post, which subsequent investigations traced back to an IP address in Portugal. Given the expansive reach of Bishnoi’s criminal network, authorities are investigating potential aid rendered to the gang from anti-national entities abroad, encompassing the provision of arms and financial backing, as detailed in the police’s remand application.
Moreover, investigators are diligently tracing the origins of the weaponry utilized by the alleged shooters in the recent incident. An official disclosed, “Police were also investigating the source of the weapons supplied to the alleged shooters in the present case.”
Allegations of a ‘terror’ and ‘extortion’ scheme have surfaced, with authorities positing that the Bishnoi gang sought to instill fear in Mumbai, the nation’s financial hub, while exploring potential extortion attempts targeting businesspersons, actors, and builders within the city.
Recent reports suggest the police’s consideration of an international nexus in the case, with the involvement of the NIA during the initial stages of the investigation.
