Arms Supplier in Salman Khan Residence Firing Case Dies by Suicide in Police Custody

Anuj Thapan, a 32-year-old accused in the firing incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence, died by suicide in Mumbai police custody on Wednesday. Thapan, who was arrested from Punjab on April 26, allegedly hanged himself inside the toilet of the lock-up using a bedsheet. He was rushed to a hospital but declared dead during treatment.

According to police, Thapan and another accused, Sonu Kumar Bishnoi, were arrested for allegedly supplying weapons to the shooters involved in the April 14 incident outside Salman Khan's Galaxy Apartments in Bandra. The Mumbai Crime Branch had invoked sections of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all four accused, including the two shooters, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal.

The police have also declared gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol Bishnoi as wanted accused in the case. Anmol Bishnoi had claimed responsibility for the attack in a Facebook post soon after the incident. "Salman Khan's security level has been elevated to Y-Plus due to threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and another gangster, Goldy Brar," a police official stated.

An accidental death report has been registered at the Azad Maidan police station, and the reason behind Thapan's drastic step is under investigation. Thapan had three previous cases against him, including attempted murder and extortion. The police had earlier recovered the pistols used in the firing incident from the Tapi River in Surat.

Why this matters: The death of a key accused in police custody raises serious questions about the handling of high-profile cases and the safety of individuals in lock-ups. It also highlights the alleged involvement of organized crime in the entertainment industry and the ongoing threat to celebrities from criminal elements.

Former Maharashtra senior police officer PK Jain stated, "Any death in a lock-up is reported as a murder case, and all the policemen in the police station will be questioned by the CID." A high-level inquiry has been ordered into Thapan's death by suicide inside the crime branch lock-up. The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing investigation into the firing case that sent shockwaves through the film industry and raised concerns about the safety of high-profile individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Accused in Salman Khan house firing case dies by suicide in Mumbai police custody.
• Anuj Thapan, 32, was arrested for allegedly supplying weapons to the shooters involved.
• Police have declared gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol as wanted accused.
• Salman Khan's security level has been elevated due to threats from Bishnoi and Brar.
• High-level inquiry ordered into Thapan's death, raising concerns about safety in lock-ups.