As Mumbai Crime Branch intensifies its investigation into the firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence, startling details about the planning behind the attack continue to emerge. The probe has now revealed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly used a highly calculated “dead drop” technique to execute the firing while avoiding direct police detection.
According to Crime Branch sources, the entire operation was allegedly designed by mastermind Shubham Lonkar in a way that ensured the chain would not be exposed even if one link failed. Investigators found that arrested accused Swapnil Sakat and Siddharth Yenpure travelled from Pune to Mumbai on a scooter but never came face-to-face with the main shooter.
Instead, the accused reportedly parked the scooter at a pre-decided, secluded location and immediately returned to Pune, ensuring minimal contact and traceability.
Police believe this deliberate separation was crucial to preventing the exposure of the entire network.
The investigation has further revealed that the pistol used in the firing was purchased in Pune on the instructions of Shubham Lonkar. Police are currently questioning accused Asaram Fasale to trace the weapon’s supply chain. Ballistic experts are also examining whether the same firearm was used in any previous criminal incidents.
Sources stated that several of the arrested accused are childhood friends of Shubham Lonkar. Police believe they were drawn into the conspiracy due to his criminal influence. Apart from Swapnil Sakat, who already has a case registered under the Arms Act, other accused do not have any major criminal records.
Six days after the incident, the main shooter remains absconding. Police say the Bishnoi gang’s strategy of operating through separate modules has made the investigation more complex. Tracking down the shooter is now the biggest challenge for Mumbai Police, as he holds the final key to the entire case.