Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 19: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday reassured the film fraternity following a recent firing incident outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence, asserting that the government would not allow Mumbai to slip back into the era of underworld dominance.
Responding to concerns raised in the legislative council by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLCs Sachin Ahir and Milind Narvekar over the alleged targeting of celebrities, Fadnavis said adequate security measures were in place and urged members of the film industry not to panic.
“I appeal to celebrities not to be afraid. We will not allow Mumbai to return to the days of gang wars. Necessary police protection has been provided,” said Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio.
In a written reply, the chief minister stated that the incident occurred on the night of February 1, when an unidentified individual opened fire outside Shetty’s residence in Juhu. One bullet struck the compound wall, while another hit a glass panel of the building. A total of five rounds were fired, and police recovered five empty cartridges from the spot.
A case was initially registered at the Juhu police station and later transferred to the crime branch for further investigation.
Fadnavis identified one of the accused as Shubham Lonkar, allegedly linked to the Bishnoi gang. He said efforts were underway to arrest him, noting that Lonkar, a resident of Akola district, is believed to be operating from abroad and has been involved in issuing extortion threats. His brother has already been arrested.
The chief minister further said the state government has requested the Centre to hand over custody of gangster Anmol Bishnoi, currently with the National Investigation Agency, to the Mumbai Police for questioning in related cases.
“The NIA has arrested Anmol Bishnoi and he is in their custody. We have requested that his custody be handed over to the Mumbai Police. Once the NIA custody is over, we will get his custody,” Fadnavis said.
Police said further investigation into the firing incident is ongoing.