Mumbai police have escalated their crackdown in the shocking firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence. In a significant development, authorities have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against five arrested suspects. A special court extended their police custody until February 17, intensifying the probe into what appears to be a calculated plot to instill fear in the city.
The accused were produced in court after their initial custody period ended on Wednesday. While the crime branch sought a full 15-day extension, the court approved custody only up to the specified date, balancing investigative needs with legal safeguards. This move underscores the gravity of the case, as MCOCA is typically reserved for organized crime syndicates involved in gang wars, extortion, and terror tactics.
The incident unfolded when gunshots rang out near Shetty’s home, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Twelve specialized teams were immediately formed, leading to the arrests within days. Preliminary investigations revealed damning evidence, justifying the MCOCA invocation, which grants police broader powers and makes bail exceedingly difficult for the accused.
A major breakthrough came from interrogations, exposing links to fugitive Shubham Lonkar, who allegedly masterminded the operation to ‘do something big’ in Mumbai. Crime branch officials disclosed in court that one arrested suspect communicated with Lonkar via the Signal app. Financial trails showed Lonkar transferring Rs 40,000 to the suspect’s bank account, funding the audacious attack.
Further revelations point to Lonkar’s brother, Praveen Lonkar, who supplied three weapons to the perpetrators. Police have now taken Praveen into custody for intense questioning, suspecting a larger conspiracy. Raids and surveillance have been ramped up to nab the elusive Shubham, as investigators warn this could be just the tip of a menacing iceberg threatening Mumbai’s underbelly.
As the city holds its breath, the Shetty firing case highlights rising concerns over organized crime encroaching on high-profile targets. With MCOCA in play, authorities are determined to dismantle the network, ensuring justice prevails amid the glitz of Bollywood.