Mohammed Rafique Chowdhary (37), a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, has been arrested in connection with the firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai. Chowdhary, who was tasked with funding the shooters, revealed details during police interrogation.
The incident, which occurred on April 14 when two motorcycle-borne individuals opened fire outside Khan’s Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, has led to multiple arrests. Chowdhary is the fifth person apprehended in this case. According to official reports, his involvement surfaced during the interrogation of other suspects and through technical analysis of their mobile phones.
Chowdhary, who hails from Mumbai and is associated with a dairy business run by his family, joined the Lawrence Bishnoi gang after the pandemic forced the closure of their business. He was recruited by Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of the incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Chowdhary, who has studied up to Class 12, was directly in touch with Anmol Bishnoi and another gang leader, Rohit Gadara.
The police allege that Chowdhary provided financial support to the shooters, Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, for purchasing a motorcycle, renting a house in Panvel near Mumbai, and covering other expenses. Anuj Thapan, another arrested individual accused of supplying weapons to the shooters, reportedly committed suicide in police custody on May 1.
Authorities are investigating Chowdhary’s role and the nature of the “bigger task” assigned to him by Anmol Bishnoi. They suspect that Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Gadara are collaborating, with the latter possibly being in the USA after being traced in the UK earlier.
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati central prison in Ahmedabad, and his brother Anmol Bishnoi, believed to be in the US or Canada, are named in the firing case.
Sources By Agencies
