MUMBAI: A Magistrate Court in Mumbai today sent 2 men suspected of opening fire at Bollywood actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence Galaxy Apartments on April, 14 to 10-day police custody, till April 25.
The duo that was arrested earlier today in Gujarat's Bhuj was produced at the Esplanade Court in Mumbai, after attempting to evade arrest by changing their attire and crossing railway tracks near Santacruz in Mumbai.
The Investigating Officer (IO) reportedly informed the Court that a threat letter was previously sent to Khan, and that the recent shooting was a serious case of “attempt to murder” with potential international and interstate connections.
The prosecution further pressed that the two were involved in the firing, had conducted a recce of Salman Khan's residence thrice, and rented a house near his Panvel farm to track his movements, according to news reports.
However, the Court was informed that the arms used in the incident have not been recovered.
While the prosecution is said to have emphasised the need to uncover the source of funding for the shooters and identify the parties responsible for procuring the firearms, Advocate Ajay Dubey for the accused argued that the charge of attempted murder may not apply since no physical harm was inflicted on the actor.
Salman and his family are safe and sound. The security around the house has been tightened.
Videos circulating online show Khan meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his apartment. He was accompanied for the meeting by his father, Salim Khan.
Several unconfirmed news reports claim that the two accused persons belong to the dreaded Lawrence Bishnoi gang. A report in News18 has quoted an unnamed senior officer of Mumbai Police as stating in this regard, “The language used in a Facebook post was threatening, and role of Anmol Bishnoi (brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi) is visible.”
