Salman Khan Firing case: Enough evidence against accused in actor's house firing case, says court

Rebecca Samervel (THE TIMES OF INDIA; July 25, 2024)

Mumbai: In his police statement, actor Salman Khan (58) has alleged that he believes gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang members were behind the firing incident outside his Bandra residence on April 14. Khan said he believes the attack was carried out with the intention of killing him and his family members.

Observing that there is ample prima facie evidence on record to proceed against the accused, a special MCOCA court on Monday took cognizance of the chargesheet filed in the case earlier this month. On April 14, a biker and a pillion rider discharged several rounds at the balcony of Khan’s Bandra home and absconded.

In his statement made in June, which is part of the chargesheet, the actor said, “There had been attempts to hurt me and my family prior to this as well. I have learned from social media that Lawrence Bishnoi and gang have taken responsibility for the attack. So, I believe that it is the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who have carried out the firing at my balcony.”

As a result, Khan always advises his family members and those around him to stay alert. Khan has been provided with Y-Plus security from Mumbai police. He has weapon-trained policemen, bodyguards and private security for protection too.

Recalling the events of April 14, Khan said he heard a cracker-like sound when asleep. Later, at 4.55 am, his police bodyguard informed him that two people on a bike had fired at the first-floor balcony of his home in Galaxy Apartment.

Khan uses the balcony at various times, including while greeting fans gathered outside his home, socializing with family and friends during late hours, to get fresh air when he returns tired from work, and when he wakes up early.

In addition to the recent firing incident, Khan mentioned there had been previous attempts to harm him and his family. In 2022, his father filed a complaint at Bandra police station after finding a threat letter on a bench opposite their building. In March 2023, a case was registered based on an email threat from Lawrence Bishnoi. In Jan, two unidentified men using fake names tried to trespass Khan’s Panvel farmhouse, and an FIR was filed.

Khan’s brother, actor and film producer Arbaaz Khan, too provided a statement to the police. Arbaaz confirmed the incidents of threats and trespassing at their Panvel farmhouse, Arbaaz stated their father found a threat letter signed by “GB” and “LB’ during his morning walk, and their office received a threatening email from someone claiming to be Lawrence Bishnoi.

The chargesheet also includes transcripts of a conversation over Signal app between wanted accused Anmol Bishnoi and shooter Vikas Gupta. In the conversation, Anmol instructs Vikas to fire thoughtfully and in a manner that scares “Bhai” (referring to Khan).
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Co-accused fired at actor’s home: Shooter

Mumbai: In his confessional statement mentioned in the chargesheet filed in the case of the firing at Salman Khan’s Bandra residence in April, Vikas Gupta, one of the two arrested shooters, said his co-accused, Sagar Pal, discharged rounds towards Khan’s first floor balcony.

“On April 14, Sagar (Pal) and I departed from our lodgings in Panvel on a motorcycle, armed with a firearm and ammunition. We arrived in the vicinity of Galaxy building, Bandra, at approximately 4.30-5 am. I proceeded alone on the motorcycle to conduct surveillance near Salman’s residence. I observed no individuals in proximity to the gate. Upon returning to Sagar to execute the plan, he instructed me that if anyone impeded our path, we should eliminate them as well. Subsequently, we rode the motorcycle to the front of the building, and Sagar discharged rounds,” said Gupta.

On how he got the assignment, Gupta said Pal hailed from his village and had instructed him to come to Jalandhar for work. He said through Pal, he established contact with Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol. — Rebecca Samervel