Indian authorities apprehended another member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in connection with the shooting incident outside the residence of Bollywood star Salman Khan.
Mohammed Rafique Chowdhary was arrested in Rajasthan by the Mumbai Crime Branch on May 7. He stands accused of providing financial support to the individual suspected of firing shots outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment, as reported by an Indian media outlet.
According to a police official, Chowdhary, during a meeting with the shooters, indicated that Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, had entrusted him with a “larger task” than them.
Furthermore, he allegedly provided financial assistance to the accused shooters Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, facilitating their purchase of a motorcycle and renting a residence.
The recent apprehension marks the fifth arrest in the shooting incident, with law enforcement actively pursuing other suspects involved.
According to authorities, Chowdhary’s involvement came to light during the interrogation of other accused individuals, aided by technical analysis of their mobile devices, which helped pinpoint his location.
It’s noteworthy that on April 14, two suspects discharged firearms outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartment in Bandra.
The police official stated that Chowdhary maintained direct communication with Anmol Bishnoi and another gang leader, Rohit Gadara.
He further explained that during the pandemic, the accused became associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and was subsequently recruited by Anmol Bishnoi.
A week prior to the shooting, Mohammed Rafique Chowdhary convened a meeting with purported shooters Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, as per a police official.
Additionally, Chowdhary reportedly conducted several reconnaissance trips to Salman Khan’s residence before the shooting incident.
In related news, Anuj Thapan, accused of providing firearms to the shooters, purportedly committed suicide while in custody on May 1.
Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned at the Sabarmati Central Prison in Gujarat, while his younger brother, Anmol Bishnoi, is believed to be residing in either the US or Canada.
