Custody Granted
In a significant development concerning the incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence, a Mumbai magistrate's court has ordered that all
five individuals arrested in connection with the firing be placed under police custody. This custody is set to extend until February 11, 2026. The decision was made on February 5, 2026, following a court hearing where the gravity of the offense and the intricate nature of the alleged criminal conspiracy were taken into consideration. The court emphasized the necessity for a thorough and comprehensive investigation, including joint interrogation of the accused, to uncover all facets of the crime. This move signifies the authorities' commitment to a detailed probe into the events that transpired, ensuring all leads are pursued diligently.
Investigation Deepens
The Mumbai Police have been actively pursuing leads in the case, having initially arrested four individuals on February 1, shortly after the reported firing of four rounds outside Shetty's home. The fifth accused, identified as Asaram Fasle alias Babu, was apprehended on Thursday and subsequently presented before the court alongside the other four. During the proceedings, the prosecution revealed that a social media post had claimed responsibility for the incident. Further investigation into the accused's communication methods indicated their use of the Signal app for secrecy, with authorities actively seeking to recover deleted chats, particularly those involving Shubham Lonkar. The police had initially requested a longer custody period, seeking ten days for Fasle and maximum custody for the other four, underscoring the perceived complexity of their involvement.
Defense Arguments
Legal representatives for the accused presented their arguments during the court hearing. The defense counsel for the first accused contended that their client was not present at the scene of the incident and that the arrest was based on circumstantial evidence rather than direct involvement. It was further argued that no definitive link had been established between the accused and Shubham Lonkar. Meanwhile, the advocates representing the other three accused sought judicial custody for their clients, asserting that the police had not uncovered evidence of their involvement beyond an alleged role in facilitating the vehicle used in the incident. These arguments highlight the defense's efforts to challenge the prosecution's case and the evidence presented.
Weapon Supplier Arrested
In a significant breakthrough for the investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell apprehended an additional individual on Thursday in connection with the firing incident. This newly arrested accused has been identified as Asaram Fasle alias Babu. According to official statements from the Crime Branch, Fasle is alleged to have supplied the weapon that was used in the firing at Rohit Shetty's residence. This arrest marks a crucial step in unraveling the supply chain and the logistics behind the criminal act, potentially shedding light on the broader network involved in orchestrating the attack. The authorities continue their efforts to dismantle any organized criminal elements contributing to such acts of violence.
