Salman Khan Firing Case: Accused Trained In Bihar, Executed Attack For 'Publicity'

Sources from the Crime Branch have disclosed that the perpetrator who discharged gunshots outside Salman Khan ’s residence at Bandra’s Galaxy Apartments on April 14 did so with the intention of garnering "media coverage and publicity." Additionally, the sources stated that their motive was to instill fear, thereby spreading terror.

Vicky Gupta (24) and Sagar Pal (21), both hailing from Champaran in Bihar , were apprehended in Gujarat's Bhuj on April 16 and subsequently transported to Mumbai for further legal proceedings.

Anmol Bishnoi, the younger sibling of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, asserted responsibility for the gunfire outside Salman Khan’s residence via a Facebook post shortly after the incident.

Sources indicate that the investigation uncovered communication between Anmol Bishnoi and Sagar Pal, as well as Vicky Gupta, through internet calling. It was revealed that the duo received an initial payment of Rs 1 lakh for carrying out the shooting and were promised an additional Rs 3 lakh upon completion of the task.

As per the Crime Branch sources, Sagar Pal underwent training in handling the weapon utilized in the attack within his village in West Champaran.

In the course of the investigation, the accused disclosed that they had conducted reconnaissance of Salman Khan’s farmhouse in Panvel approximately 4-5 days prior to the shooting incident. However, the decision was made to carry out the firing in Bandra instead.

A Mumbai Crime Branch official, speaking to news agency ANI, revealed that “The accused conducted a ‘recce’ of Salman Khan’s farmhouse in Panvel. They intended to just scare him, not murder him. The statements of both families have been recorded in Bihar. Around 7 people have been called from Haryana and other states for questioning, which is ongoing.”

Sonu Gupta, brother of Vicky Gupta, who resides in Chandigarh and works as a laborer, is also under interrogation in connection with the case. Call records have shown that Vicky and his brother were in communication until late at night on April 13, the day preceding the attack.