Mumbai Court Remands 3 Accused in Salman Khan Residence Firing Case, Invokes MCOCA Provisions

A special court in Mumbai has remanded three accused - Vicky Gupta (24), Sagar Pal (21), and Anuj Thapan (32) - to police custody until May 8, 2024 in connection with the firing incident at Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's residence in Bandra. The police have invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) against the alleged shooters Gupta and Pal, as well as Sonu Kumar Chander Bishnoi and Thapan, who are accused of supplying firearms and bullets.

The incident occurred on April 14 when two persons on a motorcycle opened fire at Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai's Bandra area. The accused were initially charged under the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act, but the court granted police custody to further investigate the conspiracy upon request from the public prosecutor.

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol are wanted in the case, while Sonu Kumar Chander Bishnoi (37) was sent to judicial custody on medical grounds. Anmol Bishnoi, who stays in Canada and travels to the USA, had claimed responsibility for the firing through a Facebook post, though the IP address was traced to Portugal.

The police have recovered the firearms and live magazines used by the accused, which were dumped in the Tapi river in Surat. The court sent Gupta, Pal, and Thapan to police custody until May 8 and remanded Bishnoi to judicial custody on medical grounds.

Why this matters: The firing incident at Salman Khan's residence has raised concerns about the security of high-profile celebrities and the involvement of organized crime in such attacks. The invocation of MCOCA provisions against the accused highlights the seriousness of the case and the potential links to criminal networks.

The police had registered an FIR under IPC section 307 (attempt to murder) after the incident, and the accused were apprehended from different locations. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the conspiracy behind the incident and bring all those involved to justice. "We are investigating the case from all angles and will ensure that the culprits are brought to book," said a senior police official involved in the case.

Key Takeaways

• 3 accused remanded to police custody till May 8 in Salman Khan firing case
• Police invoke stringent MCOCA against alleged shooters and firearms suppliers
• Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol wanted in the case
• Firearms and live magazines used by accused recovered from Tapi river
• Police investigating conspiracy, vow to bring all culprits to justice