Custody Extended
In a significant development concerning the recent firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Juhu, a Mumbai magistrate's court has
extended the police custody for all five arrested accused individuals. This judicial decision means they will remain in police custody until February 11, 2026. The court's ruling was based on the gravity of the alleged criminal conspiracy and the need for a thorough, joint investigation. Authorities believe a deeper dive is crucial to uncover the full extent of the plot and identify any other potential accomplices. The police had initially arrested four individuals shortly after the assailants discharged four rounds outside Shetty's property. The fifth accused was apprehended later and produced before the court along with the others. The judge's observation highlighted the necessity of extensive interrogation to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, emphasizing the complex nature of the case.
Investigation Details Emerge
During the court proceedings, investigators revealed crucial details about the communication methods employed by the accused. It was disclosed that the group utilized the Signal application, known for its enhanced privacy features, to coordinate their actions and maintain secrecy. The police are actively working to recover deleted chat histories, particularly those involving an individual named Shubham Lonkar, indicating a potential key figure or target in the conspiracy. The prosecution requested maximum custody for the initial four arrestees and a 10-day remand for the fifth accused, Asaram Fasle, also known as Babu. This request underscores the police's belief in their significant involvement and the ongoing need for their cooperation in locating further evidence. The investigation is a complex puzzle, with each piece of communication and every connection being meticulously examined to build a comprehensive picture of the motive and execution.
Defense Arguments Presented
Legal representatives for the accused presented their arguments during the court hearing, seeking to mitigate their clients' involvement. The lawyer representing the first accused contended that their client was not present at the scene when the shots were fired, asserting that the arrest was based on circumstantial evidence rather than direct involvement. Furthermore, the defense argued that no concrete link had been established between their client and Shubham Lonkar, suggesting a lack of direct conspiracy. Meanwhile, advocates for three other accused individuals petitioned for judicial custody, stating that the police had only established their alleged role in facilitating the vehicle used in the incident, not in the firing itself. These arguments highlight the defense's strategy to dismantle the prosecution's case by questioning the evidence and the extent of their clients' participation in the alleged criminal act, emphasizing the nuances of accessory roles versus direct perpetration.
Weapon Supplier Arrested
Adding another layer to the ongoing investigation, the Mumbai Crime Branch's Anti-Extortion Cell apprehended an additional suspect on Thursday. This latest arrest brings the total number of accused to five. According to official statements, this newly arrested individual, identified as Asaram Fasle alias Babu, is believed to be the supplier of the firearm used in the firing incident outside Rohit Shetty's residence. The Crime Branch's focused efforts on dismantling the network involved in the crime underscore the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case. The arrest of the weapon supplier is a critical step, as it potentially opens new avenues for tracing the origins of the weapon and identifying other individuals involved in the illicit arms trade connected to this incident, further complicating the alleged conspiracy.
