The Mumbai Crime Branch made its sixth arrest on Tuesday in connection with the shooting incident outside superstar Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra last month.
The accused, identified as Harpal Singh (37), was apprehended from Fatehabad in Haryana. Police officials said that Harpal’s involvement emerged during the interrogation of another suspect, Mohammed Rafique Choudhary. Harpal had allegedly commissioned Choudhary to conduct a recce around Salman’s residence.
Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Vishnoi, played a key role in inspiring the shooters. Following the delivery of weapons in Panvel on March 15, Anmol directed the gunmen to open fire outside the actor’s residence.
According to details provided by the Crime Branch, Chaudhary conducted a recce of the actor’s apartment building on April 12 and recorded a video, which he subsequently sent to Anmol. Police said that the shooters, Pal and Gupta, initially hesitated about executing the shooting but were eventually persuaded by Anmol. They were paid Rs 3 lakh for the task.
Sent to Mumbai by the Bishnoi gang in October last year, the two struggled to find accommodation despite several attempts. It wasn’t until March 2024 that they were able to secure a flat in the Harigram area with the assistance of a local rickshaw driver in Panvel.
The firing incident, which took place on April 14 outside Salman’s residence at Galaxy Apartments, sent shockwaves through the Bandra area of Mumbai. The subsequent arrests revealed connections to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, leading the Mumbai Police to invoke the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against all involved.
A few days after the incident, Salman’s brother Arbaaz Khan released a statement on the family’s behalf, calling it “disturbing and unnerving.” He said: “We have faith in the Mumbai police, and we have been assured they will do everything in their capacity to protect and secure our family. Thank you, everyone, for your love and support.”
(With ANI input)