Salman Khan case: Two shooters captured from Kachchh, near Pakistan border, held in police custody for 10 days (Lead)

Mumbai, April 16 (IANS) Two shooters who opened fire at Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s home were apprehended from Gujarat’s border Kachchh district. The suspects, identified as Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, were brought to Mumbai and sent to police custody till April 25. The incident at Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra West involved firing five rounds.

Joint Police Commissioner, Crime, Lakhmi Gautam, stated that the shooters had conducted a recce of Salman Khan’s house multiple times before carrying out the shooting. The swift joint operation of the Mumbai Police and Gujarat Police led to the arrest of the accused within 36 hours.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kachchh, A. R. Zankat, revealed that the shooters were in contact with members of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. After firing shots at Salman Khan’s home, the attackers reportedly left towards Mumbai, evading authorities.

The duo, after firing at Salman Khan’s home, traveled towards Vasai (Palghar) before heading to Navi Mumbai and eventually sneaking into Gujarat. Authorities tracked their movements through CCTV footage and technical intelligence, leading to their capture in Bhuj town.

It was discovered that the shooters had rented a flat in Navi Mumbai and lived there for nearly a month before carrying out the attack. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether they had accomplices or financiers.

During questioning, the shooters confessed to the firing and weapons used in the incident were recovered. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured Salman Khan and his family of their safety and promised a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice. The government and police are committed to ensuring the security of the Khan family.